First plants arrive for new Eden Project

Emma StanleyNorth West
News imageEden Project People stand and smile while standing in among lots of pots of plants sprouting various flowers close to a green house. Eden Project
The plants have been transported from London to be used in the new eco-attraction

The first plants set to be used in the new Eden Project in a Lancashire seaside town have arrived on site.

A mix of species designed to thrive in coastal areas have been transported from an award-winning garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 to Morecambe for the new eco-attraction.

The Bring Me Sunshine Garden, inspired by comedian Eric Morecambe, was designed with the help of young adults from the town that are not in employment or education.

It has now moved from London to be permanently relocated at the gateway to Eden Project Morecambe, set to open in 2028.

News imageEden Project Morecambe A CGI image of the site shows a large glass dome to the left next to a smaller one in the distance near the sea. To the front are extensive landscaped gardens with pathwaysEden Project Morecambe
The garden will form part of a 1.5-acre public community garden in Morecambe

Thousands of plants, many of which were grown at the sister site Eden Project Cornwall, are being tended at a nursery in the town until construction is complete.

Among the plants that have arrived is a diverse mix of coastal and pollinator-friendly species alongside herbs and seasonal highlights like Gladiolus byzantinus.

Many were specifically selected for their ability to thrive in coastal environments, reflecting the ecology of Morecambe Bay and the long-term planting vision for the site.

The relocated planting will form the foundation of a 1.5-acre public community garden.

At its centre sits a solar-powered, shell-shaped canopy beneath which young people can learn horticulture, foraging, crafts and digital skills.

The garden – designed by award winning duo Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis - received a Silver-Gilt medal – the second-highest accolade awarded by RHS judges – and the Environmental Innovation Award, presented to just one garden each year.

News imageClose up of Eric Morecambe with his arms around Ernie Wise giving him a big hug. Both are smiling, Eric is wearing a blue suit, has receding dark hair and dark-framed glasses. Ernie is in a brown suit and has short white hair
The garden's name is a nod to the late comedian Eric Morecambe (left, pictured with comedy partner Ernie Wise) who came from the town

Dewey Lord, senior project manager for Eden Project Morecambe, said: "Being from Morecambe myself, this first step towards bringing the Eden Project to life means a great deal to me personally, and it's incredibly rewarding to see this vision starting to take shape.

"Now, as the plants arrive in Morecambe ahead of installation in their permanent home in the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, I'm excited to take this project into the next phase of delivery."

News imageEden Project Two rows of green plants in a nursery gardenEden Project
Among the plants that have arrived is a diverse mix of coastal and pollinator-friendly species

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Related internet link