Sunday 15 February 2015

The Rain Forest - Part One




We first went to The Eden Project when it was still being built.  We were taken down to the unfinished biomes on a tractor where we could see the specialist workers fixing the hexagons into place.  Even then it was really exciting to see these 'space like' creations growing out of the bottom of a muddy pit.  Over the years it has grown into a very special place, it is an educational charity whose purpose is to 'explore how people can work together, and with nature to change things for the better'.

My last post focused on the outside, there is still lots to explore outside, over the year I hope to get around the whole site to see everything and share it with you.  Though I will be drawing the line at the The Sky Wire.  If you want to see the site as you wizz over it on a wire, you are going to have to do that yourselves!


On this visit we explored the Rainforest Biome, it has certainly grown since the last time I walked through.  It really is an amazing experience, walking through the various zones that represent the rainforests across the world.  They include the Tropical Islands, Southeast Asia, West Africa and Tropical South America.






There is a Rainforest Canopy Walkway that takes you high above the forest.  It gives you a wonderful view across the trees.  It is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, but if you don't like heights, like my friend, don't peer over the sides!









The Biodiversity Chandelier  explores natures designs.  Throughout the site there is wonderful artwork.










As we walked through, the rain outside was beating down on the biome making it feel even more like a rainforest.  Inside we were walking around in the lovely warmth minus the coats and jumpers needed outside.  The temperature averages 25 C which makes it ideal to visit in the winter when it is horrible outside.


A waterfall runs down through the biome adding to the wonderful sights and sounds.






The next project they are fundraising for is to explore the climate and 'make weather'.  It will involve making clouds.

It was a wet Friday in February for our visit so we were lucky enough to have the place practically to ourselves.  Well that was until a school trip turned up with children rushing around with their clipboards.

I hope you enjoyed our little tour.  On the next post I will show you the house, fruit and birds within the biome.  After that we will be returning to normal :)

I hope you had a lovely Valentines Day, yes it is commercial but it is nice to have an excuse to get all lovey dovey.    I had chocolates and roses accompanied by 'our song' played on his iPad, very romantic.  I made him some heart shaped chocolate buns.  Unfortunately he has come down with a cold again so spent the day in bed watching the rugby and football........not so romantic.



Chickpea xx


23 comments:

  1. What could be more romantic than watching football CC? Do you ever go to Heligan? I love the place.

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    1. I haven't been to Heligan for a few years but hope to go this year. Beautiful place.

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  2. Bucky Fuller would have loved that structure! Too bad hubby had a cold on Valentine's Day- glad you had a pleasant time, though.

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  3. The photos are amazing, all that is missing is the sound of the waterfall and tropical birds!

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  4. I've always wanted to go to the Eden Project, even more so now xxx

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  5. At least the rugby and football were in the bedroom and you did not have to enjoy them. You have fired my determination to get to the Eden Project this year.

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  6. I would really like to go back to the Eden Project. I wonder if I'll find time this year? Hope your husband is feeling better. X

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    1. I hope you find the time. He's still poorly

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  7. Loving your photos of the Eden biomes, it's about 10 years since we went and it's "grown up" a lot since then, I would love to go again one day. Thank you for sharing.

    Lovely cakes, Nice to hear you still celebrate Valentines, enjoy your chocolates x

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  8. We went to the Eden Project the first year it opened and have been back every year. it is lovely isnt it

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    1. It is lovely, I'm so lucky to live close by

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  9. Outstanding beautiful chandeliers.
    I have very high ceilings in my living/dinning room and have been trying to design some lighting.
    Yes please, I would like one of your cakes with my coffee.
    They look fabulous,

    cheers, parsnip

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  10. I love places like this. Have you ever been to EPCOT in Florida? They have (or had, I assume it's still there) an exhibit called The Land, which is a contained biome like this, and you tour it in a car on a track. I think you could get out and walk at some points too. I enjoy seeing the exotic plants and the water and rock formations. It's really interesting to me. I hope you had a great weekend, have a good week too.

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  11. No I haven't seen that Jennifer, sounds interesting. I agree places like this are full of such interesting things that we wouldn't normally see.

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  12. It really is such an incredible place isn't it. I don't think that I would be going on the high up walk thingy though - far too scary for me! xx

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I love reading your comments and will try to reply to all you lovely people xx Spam will be deleted so don't even bother!