Secondary Research - The Eden Project

For secondary research I have looked at The Eden Project as its probably UK's most well known eco attraction  and is also quite new so is relevant to this brief. Some of the reasons to visit The Eden Project include its the worlds largest rainforest in captivity with steamy jungles and waterfalls, its a living example of regeneration and sustainable living, and it has brilliant local, fairly traded food in the restaurants and cafes.

The Eden Project is a family attraction, much like the Eco Farm in Bicester will be, so has attractions aimed at young children. Some of the events/activities they run for kids are children's play sessions, workshops and storytelling, and seasonal demonstrations like apple pressing. This suggests that hands-on things and activities where the children can take part are more successful as they probably find it easier to focus. They also say have activities like ice skating and zip wire, building dens, and an arial walkway through the rainforest. These are all unique activities that require you taking part rather than looking at a screen which shows that actually DOING something makes it more fun for the kids and gives an element of excitement. Not only are these activities for enjoyment but for education too. They offer a fun way of learning which is why schools take trips there. I will try to incorporate this fun side of learning into my work for this brief as it is clearly effective with a young age group.

There are other eco centres in England such as The Green Britain Centre in Norfolk. Its 'a place where sustainability is an axiom, where energy comes from the Wind the Sun and the Sea.' On their site it says 'kids love it here. Its fun, informative and inspiring -  and it brings subjects like maths and science to life right before their eyes. Green Britain is our vision of the future'. They also take a lot of school trips and have several activities aimed at different ages to entertain them. Here is an image of the venue with a wind turbine which shows they are practising what they preach. There is also an image of children learning, taken from their website, with additional text and drawings to help children viewing the site understand. The whole site has a green theme representing green energy.

Another Eco Farm is the Urban Farm in London. There site states 'We find that children are motivated to learn when their imagination is stimulated and their curiosity is aroused through interaction with the subject. With our blend of interactive, hands-on experiences, they're having so much fun that work  becomes play.'

Here is the banner off their site with silhouettes of children on an animated design of a field and sky with animals in. Both this and the font used are designed with children in mind and therefore appeals to them.