The first physical elements of the long‑awaited Eden Project Morecambe have arrived in the town, marking a major milestone ahead of construction starting later this year.
Thousands of plants featured in the award‑winning Bring Me Sunshine Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 have been relocated to Morecambe, where they are now being cared for at a local nursery.
The plants, many originally grown at Eden Project Cornwall, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, will form part of the new attraction when work begins this summer.
Their journey from Cornwall to Chelsea and now to Morecambe reflects the Eden Project’s wider mission as an educational charity to connect people with nature and each other.
The collection includes a wide range of coastal and pollinator‑friendly species suited to Morecambe Bay’s environment, such as sea fennel, Allium moly, Briza media and Linum perenne, alongside herbs like dill and seasonal planting including Gladiolus byzantinus.
Many of the species were specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in coastal conditions and will help shape the long‑term planting vision for the site.
The plants were previously part of the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, designed by award‑winning duo Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis and co‑created with young people from Morecambe.
The garden proved a success at Chelsea, winning a Silver‑Gilt medal and the prestigious Environmental Innovation Award, presented to just one garden each year.
It also showcased sustainable features inspired by the bay’s heritage, including a solar‑powered, shell‑shaped canopy made using tensioned local limestone.
The structure will form the centrepiece of an outdoor classroom space combining horticulture, crafts and digital learning.
Dewey Lord, senior project manager for Eden Project Morecambe, said the arrival of the plants was a significant step forward.
"It was truly special to see the garden come to life at the Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing Harry Holding’s beautiful coastal planting design and innovative use of 'clamcrete' that really captured the essence of Morecambe Bay," he said.
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"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 the town ahead of installation in their permanent home, I’m excited to take this project into the next phase of delivery."
Construction of the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, part of a 1.5‑acre free‑to‑enter community garden, is due to begin this summer, with the space expected to open in spring 2027 ahead of the wider project.
Lancaster City Council is supporting the scheme by ensuring the plants are carefully maintained until they can be planted on site.
Once complete, the landscaped gardens will offer a space for residents and visitors to gather, learn and connect with nature, reflecting Morecambe’s identity as a coastal destination.
Eden Project Morecambe will be built on the central promenade on the site of the former Bubbles leisure complex, close to landmarks including the Winter Gardens and the Midland Hotel.
The full project is due to open in 2028 and is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with support from Government funding.
