Three of our students were selected to visit the Eden Project in the United Kingdom through sponsorship received from the British High Commission, which they did in April.

Our students with Chris Trott, British Consul General, showing off their visas before their departure to Eden! 

Anchelle Damon, Khanyisa Dyesi and Akhona Mbizeni spent three weeks working with and learning from the Eden staff, having spent time with each of the three teams – the Mediterranean Biome, the Rainforest or Temperate biome as well as the outdoor biome featuring the native plants from Cornwall.  They also went on a variety of outings in the UK!

Our students waiting for their shuttle at Heathrow Airport.

EDEN

The Eden Project is one of the biggest visitor attractions in the United Kingdom and receives up to 5000 visitors a week.  Eden is an educational charity which strives to make visitors aware of the role that plants play in our everyday lives. They even have a South African section!

On their first day, their first task was to assist the Med team to deadhead the tulip display in the Mediterranean biome.  

They also helped out in the Rainforest biome! 

From there, the students were split up into the various biomes.  Anchelle spent here first few days in the Rainforest biome. 

Akhona spent his time in the Med biome helping the team with a variety of task, including planting Californian wild flowers. 

And Khanyisa helped the team working on the outside gardens with their tasks! 

One of their task was to assist the various teams with their biological test control regime.  They release predator insects into the biomes instead of using poisons to control pests. 

They also spent some time exploring.  They had an afternoon to explore 'Freaky Nature' and also had a walk through the parts of Eden they hadn't seen before.  

OUTINGS

Apart from working and experiencing Eden, the students also went on outings.  They visited various visitor attractions such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

They visited Pendennis Castle with Lisa, one of the Eden Staff members.

And Glendurgan Garden, ending at Durgan Beach.

And we also spent a day in Bath! We visited various landmarks, which included the Bath Abbey.

Our students also enjoyed the street performers in Bath! 

WATERING LANE NURSERY

The students also spent a morning at the watering lane nursery, where they met with the People and Gardens initiative which aims to teach people with learning and mental disabilities social skills.  For many of the people involved, it is the first time that they get paid for something.

The students also visited the various horticulturists responsible for propagating and looking after the plants for the various sections within the nursery. 

THANK YOU!

Thanks to Dina, Lisa, Paul and all of the Green Team and Eden staff who helped to make our students' trip unforgettable! A special Thank You to the British High Commission for making the trip possible!

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