Topical Science: February 2018
F E B R U A R Y
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TOPICAL SCIENCE
Page. 1 The Eden Project Page 2. The Rainforest. Page 3. Mediterranean flora. Page 4. Research & Education.
THE EDEN PROJECT This is surely the most spectacular Millennium project in the U.K., if not in the world. It is difficult to describe it in a few words. It is a gigantic experiment in Botany and Ecology, a ‘Noah’s Ark’ for plants, an educational charity and an inspiring exercise in conservation. If you are in Cornwall, it is a must see.
Save the Date! Dates:
One day only!
Dates:
10 – 18 February
19th February
10th, 14th , 17th Feb.
Early Man at Eden; a Prehistoric Adventure.
Tawai screening & journey through the rainforest.
Valentine’s Dinner in the Rainforest Biome at Eden.
Topical Science: February 2018
The Rainforest Biome These enormous geodesic domes mimic the temperature and humidity of the tropical rainforests of the world and have a huge variety of luxuriant plants from these regions.
Rope Bridge A rope bridge, shown at top left, allows visitors to view the rain forest canopy from above.
Malaysian Garden These two pictures, on the left and below, show plants that may be found in a typical garden in Malaysia. There is even a mock-up of a traditional house on stilts, shown in the picture at the bottom right.
WATER CONSERVATION All of the rainwater that falls on the Eden site is harvested, using an underground drainage system. This, along with groundwater, is used to irrigate the plants and flush the toilets. It also maintains the humidity and supplies the water for the waterfall and stream flowing through the rainforest biome. This reduces the amount of mains water used on the site.
Benefits of saving water 1. Water treatment plants are energy-intensive. Using rainwater & groundwater wherever possible avoids wasteful use of treated water. 2. It saves money. By harvesting rainwater & using groundwater, the Eden project reduces its water utility bills. 2 2
Topical Science: February 2018
The Mediterranean Biome Maintained at a much lower temperature and lower humidity, the Mediterranean biome contains palms, cacti and many ground-hugging plants associated with the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It also has plants from other parts of the world that enjoy a Mediterranean climate, including California, South Africa and Western Australia.
Vineyards are a feature of Mediterranean countries. The sculpture on the left shows Bacchus, the god of wine, depicted as a bull, celebrating with his minions. 3 3
Topical Science: February 2018
Eden, an Inspiring Millennium Project. It was a Dutch born businessman, Tim Smit, who came up with the idea of turning a disused open clay quarry, set in a natural valley in Cornwall, into a garden of Eden, with plants from all around the world. With a number of friends, he was successful in getting a Millennium grant to start the project, but they had to raise matching funds through their own fund-raising efforts. It was designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw, in collaboration with engineering firm Anthony Hunt & Associates. It was first opened to visitors during the construction phase in May 2000 and the full site was opened on 17th March 2001.
Above: Pictures taken during construction give ‘before & after’ views of sections of the site.
Education. The Eden project is registered as an educational charity. Visitors learn about the importance of conserving the rainforest and other ecosystems on our planet. There are special programmes for schoolchildren, who are brought by their teachers in groups to visit the project.
Scientific Research The Eden Project conducts research in partnership with the university of Exeter. One PhD project looked at the benefit children derive by playing
with and being in touch with the natural environment. Another project helped Cornish companies reduce their CO2 emissions. There is on-going research on sustainability. Margaret Franklin, the author of ‘Topical Science’ is a retired chemistry lecturer. The aim of this newsletter is to bring science to a wider audience & make people aware of its importance. 4 4
For more information, check out the Eden Project website at http://www.edenproject.com/