The Eden Project

Whilst in Devon we went on a day trip to the Eden Project. I've been wanting to go for ages, and it wasn't a disappointment! The site is stunning, especially when you consider how it looked not so long ago as an old clay pit! It's so encouraging to see such a beautiful place being created from rubble. 

One of the messages I think the place was trying to get across was how much we depend on plants - for everything from medicine to clothes to the air we breathe. For example, Madagascar Periwinkle which "has saved thousands of lives in the treatment of childhood leukemia". There were lots of signs about explaining things like this, such as the one below. After working with some special needs kids this summer I also appreciate the fact that they used basic images/sign language illustrations on the signs.

It also emphasised the need to protect natural areas like this. It's staggering to read signs like this:

This 'Sensitive Plant' was particularly cool - it has a primitive nervous system and closes up when touched.

Here's Dad looking every bit the intrepid amazonian explorer!

There were also some stunning creations around, such as this horse and pigs made from pieces of wood. They're so realistic and accurate!

This was another sculpture - "WEEE Man" made up of the 3. 3 tonnes of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment thrown away by an average UK person during their lifetime.

The shop was amazing! Lots of interesting things, like this bag made out of recycled ring pulls!

I purchased one of these bags for carrying Uni folders in - 2 for £5, bargainous!

There were also some lovely things made out of bamboo, although slightly pricey. If you fancy an online shop you can go here.

I appreciated the Cafe name! In the main eating area you could see all the food being prepared, like huge mounds of dough! Apparently 90% of all materials used at Eden are locally sourced.

Overall a really impressive place. It was all started up by a guy called Tim Smit, some randomer who had done a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology and then worked in the music industry for 10 years, before dreaming up the idea of the Eden Project. It was completed almost exactly on schedule. Smit sounds like a pretty crazy person to work for - during interviews applicants are asked to perform/dance/juggle/etc for 10 minutes. If accepted, you are then asked to do various activities during your career such as cooking meals for your colleagues, watching foreign films, and reading books you wouldn't have naturally chosen.

Anyway def recommend a visit, it's really beautiful and inspiring. Another collage to finish with!