Page 162 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

160  ENGLAND ’ S SOUTH C O AST REGION B Y REGION

8 Eden Project

The Eden Project is a global garden for the 21st century,
and a dramatic setting in which to tell the fascinating story
of plants, people and places. Two futuristic conservatories
mimic the conditions of warmer climes, the Rainforest Biome
(hot and humid) and the Mediterranean Biome (warm and
dry). The outdoor gardens are planted with species that thrive
naturally in the Cornish climate. The relationship between
humans and nature is interpreted by artists throughout the
site. The Core education centre is used for exhibitions, films and
workshops. For an aerial view of the biomes, visitors can ride Tropical South America
over them on a 660-m (2,165-ft) zip wire, the longest in England. A huge waterfall crashes through
this lush green rainforest.

West Africa
Made from timber recycled from
Falmouth Docks, traditional West
African totem sculptures loom
over plants in the Rainforest Biome.

Malaysia
This display features a Malaysian
house with a vegetable plot
and a paddy field. The star
attraction here is the
titan arum flower,
which grows to 3 m
(8 ft) and smells of
rotting flesh.

Tropical islands
These islands have many
fascinating plants, such
as the rare Madagascar
periwinkle (Catharanthus
roseus), which is used in
the treatment of leukaemia.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp178–9 and pp190–91

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