ello and welcome to this edition of the Eden Project Magazine. My name is Andy Jasper, and at the time of writing I’m delighted to say I’ve just completed five weeks as CEO of the Eden Project.
Returning here after 12 years away is a true privilege, and stepping back onto this ground feels both invigorating and, in some ways, like coming home. Since I last walked the Eden paths, I’ve had the chance to work with some inspiring people in incredible places – Hawaii, South Africa and North America, to name a few – immersing myself in a world of plants, ecosystems, economies and cultures, from the transformation of RHS Wisley’s flagship garden to the strategic development and focus across all National Trust’s 222 gardens. Now, back here at Eden, I see that while the core of what we believe in remains steadfast, the breadth of what Eden has become and is reaching towards is astonishing.
Our shared mission is rooted in the principle that we are all part of the natural world, connected by the responsibility to nurture it and each other. This issue of the Eden Project Magazine captures that spirit beautifully with stories that range from local efforts to global insights, all woven together with sensitivity, intelligence, and a touch of humour. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find in these pages: in our features section, we delve into ‘The harder they fall,’ a thought-provoking collaboration with the University of Exeter about the vital role of rainforest giants. These towering trees, often hundreds of years old, are reminders of nature’s resilience and its vulnerability, and protecting them is essential for maintaining the health of our planet. With ‘A phoenix from the ashes?’, we take stock of the UK’s recent milestone of no longer generating energy from coal and explore how former coal mines are transforming into new energy projects, inspired by research from our book 102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground. ‘Mind the gap!’ revisits the Hadrian’s Wall sycamore that was cut down. This tree became a symbol of loss and then hope and a starting point for the responsible recreation project (CARE) working with Natural England and Blenheim Palace. There will be more on our links to the Sycamore Gap Trees of Hope in the future, too. And finally, ‘Grown from Seed’ celebrates artist Peter Randall-Page’s new limited edition of Seed, a remarkable testament to life’s capacity to grow and thrive from humble beginnings.
I feel incredibly privileged to be part of a team that includes not only the talented Eden staff but also our tireless and dedicated volunteers, trustees, founders, and all of you – our visitors and Members. Every step we take is made possible by this vibrant community united in a belief that a positive future is within reach. Through the pages of the Eden Project Magazine, we hope to continue inspiring a shared commitment to that vision and to show, with warmth and good humour, just how powerful we can all be when we come together with purpose.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Andy Jasper, CEO 3 Features
10 The harder they fall Rhiannon White
14 A phoenix from the ashes?
Robert Lowe
18 Mind the gap! Emma Tolley
22 Grown from Seed Hannah Hooks
Regulars
4 News 8 Eden Illustrated 26 Book Reviews 28 Shop 30 Events Diary
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