The Eden Project confirmed today that the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes and Core education centre will reopen to visitors on Saturday July 4.
Eden’s 30-acre outdoor garden, shop and some food outlets are already open. The reopening of the Biomes and Core follow the latest Government directives announced today by the Prime Minister.
The Eden team has been working hard on a wide range of new measures to make sure that the safety, health and wellbeing of all staff and visitors remains top priority as national lockdown measures ease.
Anyone wanting to visit Eden needs to pre-book through the website, www.edenproject.com . Timed ticketing has been successfully introduced to stagger entries and help maintain effective social distancing.
Announcing the new plans today, David Harland, executive director of the Eden Project, said: “Being able to reopen the Biomes and the Core is another giant step in welcoming back our visitors and offering them safe spaces to enjoy nature and connect to the wider world through all we have to offer.
“Since we reopened the outdoor gardens on June 6 we have had some lovely responses from visitors, many of whom have enjoyed the delights of our wider areas for the first time thanks to the new guided paths.”
David added that as the region’s biggest tourist attraction, Eden has been working closely with others in the industry to ensure that local people enjoying a day out, and visitors to Cornwall, have a safe and enjoyable experience.
He said: “Some things are a little different this summer, but the things that make Cornwall special – the incredible coastline, great attractions and warmly welcoming hospitality, the sense of freedom and that indescribable feeling that captures your heart – they’re still here and as special as ever. Our message to visitors is ‘please come – we can’t wait to see you!’”
Since the Eden outdoor gardens reopened, individuals and family groups have been using new and clearly marked trails, offering greater space in which to walk around and enjoy attractive views of the former clay quarry and its unique living collections.
This will continue with the reopening of the Biomes and Core. Visitors will be guided to enter the Rainforest Biome through a side entrance and then follow a well-marked one-way system around the biggest undercover rainforest in the world.
They will exit the Biome through the main doors and then follow a one-way path along the indoor link walkway before entering the Mediterranean Biome. After enjoying the stunning array of temperate displays there, visitors can take an exit to the outdoor gardens.
The Core, home of the acclaimed Infinity Blue sculpture, will also have a new one-way system to ensure the safest possible visit.
From July 4, Eden will also reopen its indoor café areas between the Biomes. New seating is being installed to ensure visitors can keep a safe distance apart as they enjoy a varied new menu.
At present Eden offers take-away food and drink from four outlets around the site, including coffees, pasties and ice cream.
New cleaning schedules have been introduced and protective screens and barriers are in place. All staff working at Eden have received training on safety protocols and where necessary wear personal protective equipment.
As an extra safety measure, the site is largely cash-free and relies on online, card and contactless payments.
Eden is welcoming in free of charge anyone who works in the NHS or the care industry plus one guest – but they must be pre-booked. Pre-booking online is also essential for existing Eden Project Members and Passholders while new visitors can also book via the website, but availability is limited.
Eden was able to trial some social distancing measures in the days before it closed on March 22 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Managers say that the lessons learned then have been valuable in the reopening plans and preparations.
For more information on visiting the Eden Project, go to www.edenproject.com