From Blackley to Eden - walking in the rainforests of Cornwall
In July 2024 a group of students took a residential trip to the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The Eden Project is a global garden, educational charity and social enterprise all in one. It contains one of the world's largest indoor rainforests, contained in massive covered Biomes. They’ve turned what was once a barren quarry landscape into striking contemporary outdoor gardens, covering 24 acres and home to over 20 plant-based exhibits.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Champions from Years 8-10 went on the trip. They earned their place after their hard work throughout the year on green initiatives in extra-curricular clubs. They’ve been digging, designing and building everything from vertical gardens to electric cars, all in the name of tackling climate change using sustainable solutions. Now we’ve inspired them by taking them to this world-famous attraction.
Students toured through Biomes that are home to plants from the tropics and Mediterranean regions. Other Biomes house citrus groves, ancient olive trees and wild herbs and flowers. They also took part in a variety of workshops.
Assistant Vice Principal Mrs Antrobus thanked Dr Hopper, Mr Simpson and Mrs Palkimas for organising the trip. Thank you too to Mr Gayton who drove students there and back. She said,
“The students were a credit to the academy and learnt so much! They had two workshops and then had time to explore The Eden Project, with many daring to climb the viewing platform at the top of the tropical zone! The mini bus was full of plants on the 10 hour drive home.”
Noah says that he “learnt how pineapples grow on bushes and shrubs, and enjoyed going on the sky platform with friends. It was extremely high and shook on its metal wires.” Ethan found many elements of the trip memorable, including bringing home some mint plants. “I would say that visiting the beach with my friends was my favourite part along with Eden itself”.
STEM staff were delighted to be able to show students the amazing work at Eden. This includes some of the leading science in conservation from around the world. We look forward to seeing how big an impression it has left on our young STEM ambassadors.