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The Eden Project - Rainforest Biome

Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

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Access Guide

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Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The classrooms in the Core Building can be used as a quiet space.
  • All-terrain Tramper mobility scooter.
    The Eden Project partner with Countryside Mobility to offer an all-terrain ‘Tramper’ mobility scooter, enabling you to discover our extensive Outdoor Gardens and estate.
    The Tramper is able to take on the steeper gradients of our former clay-pit, the Tramper allows previously challenging areas to be easily explored. As there is only one Tramper available for hire, it is strongly recommended to book ahead. There is a hire charge for this service. If you would like to book a Tramper please get in touch directly with the Eden Team on [email protected] or call us on 01726 811 911.
  • The Eden Project has a number of manual wheelchairs (approximately 25) which are free of charge and available to borrow on a first come first served basis.
    Booking is not necessary for the manual chairs.
    These are available in the Apple car parks and visitor centre.
    All wheelchairs are routinely cleaned by stewarding staff before and after use.
    The Eden Project has eight powered chairs (subject to operational availability) which are available to book in advance; we recommend one month's notice to avoid disappointment.
    The weight limit for these chairs is 21 stone; you can find out more in our powered wheelchair safety guide.
    If you would like to book a self-propelled or powered wheelchair please get in touch directly with the Eden Team on [email protected] or call us on 01726 811 911.
  • There is a text reader that can be borrowed to read and interpret signs.
    You are able to pre-book an Access Guide to support your visit – please telephone 01726 818 558 or email [email protected] for information.
  • A BSL Interpreter can be arranged in advance. Please contact the venue for more information.

Related Access Guides (Easy Access Route Upper Gardens to the Core Building, Lower Gardens, Link Building / Biomes)

  • The Easy Access Route from the Upper Gardens to the Lower Gardens is located to the right after exiting the visitor centre.
    There are two slopes which lead to a bridge which crosses to the opposite side of the Gardens.
    After the bridge there is a lift which goes down to the same level as the entrance to the second floor of the Core Building.
    The lift within the Core Building can be used to access the Lower Gardens via the Ground Floor entrance.
    For more detailed information about the route please click the link below.
  • Easy Access Route to Core Building, Lower Gardens and Link Building / Biomes. link (new tab) - click here

Outside Access (First Floor)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the outer gardens.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 147cm.
    • The doors are permanently held open during warmer weather. The doors are only closed in colder weather to conserve heat. Staff can provide assistance with the doors if needed.

Related Access Guides (The Link Building)

Corridors and Walkways

  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is wood.
  • Circulation View
    • Handrails are provided in corridors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is an information point located at the centre of the walkway next to the lift, a member of staff is able to answer questions and provide information.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided in corridors.
    • Wayfinding signage is clearly presented/easy to read.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • The venue does play background music in corridors.
    • Music is played throughout the building.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the first floor.

Entrance (Rainforest Biome)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the first floor walkway.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Rainforest Biome'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 235cm.

Getting Around the Biome

  • There is step-free access along most of the walkways.
  • There is a map of the Biome, located on the path after you enter.
  • There are information boards located along the paths.
  • The temperatures in the Biome can exceed 35 degrees Celsius, there is a cool room located at the centre of the Biome.
  • The majority of the paths around the Biome have a stone surface.
  • There are some walkways which have a wooden surface.
  • Some of the side paths are uneven.
  • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
  • The main path around the Biome leads from the lower to the upper area, the gradient of the slopes along the path varies between slight and steep.
  • The are signage posts located at various points along the path.
  • There are guided tours around the Biome.
  • There are staff located at points around the Biome, who do talks at different times during the day.
  • In places there is stepped access between different levels of the walkways, the steps can be bypassed by the slopes on the main paths.

Room(s) (Cool Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Cool Room.
    • The Cool Room is located on the pathway leading from R.3 West Africa.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
    • There is a steep ramp/slope for access to the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is stone.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is bench seating available in the room and a water fountain.

Access To (Rainforest Canopy Walkway)

  • The slope leading up from the main paths to the Rainforest Canopy begins next to the Cool Room.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The steps leading up from the main paths to the Rainforest Canopy are located just after the R4 Central and South America area.
  • There are 15+ steps .
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Rainforest Canopy Walkway

  • There is step-free access along the majority of the walkways.
  • There are information boards next to the walkways.
  • The surface of the majority of the walkways is wooden boards.
  • There is bench seating available.
  • Along the walkway there is a choice of two bridges to cross.
  • There is a wider bridge which has a steep slope.
  • This bridge occasionally has rising clouds of mist.
  • The second bridge is a narrow rope bridge, this bridge will move side to side as you cross.
  • There is waterfall located along the walkway.
  • The access to the rainforest lookout is located at the rear of the walkway.
  • There are 115 steps to access the lookout.
  • For step-free access back down to the main walkway, at the waterfall turn around and follow the path back.