The Eden Project
The Eden Project aims to reverse the loss of wildflower habitats in England by creating 100 hectares of wildflower habitats annually over the next decade. Through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Eden Project Wildflower Bank (EPWB), the project will generate revenue via the sale of biodiversity net gain (BNG) units and wildflower seeds. This effort will benefit biodiversity, support wildlife, and improve soil health.
The project focuses on urban and peri-urban areas, engaging landowners in long-term agreements to restore ecosystems while generating income. It incorporates a business model that balances conservation with financial sustainability.
This project is one of 24 case studies published in 2024, alongside a report evaluating the process, impact and value for money of NEIRF Rounds 1 and 2.
Access full case studyThe proposed scheme recognises the substantial biodiversity importance of rich flower landscapes and aims to reverse the decline by creating novel wildflower projects, in mainly urban and peri urban situations, with additional projects on degraded agricultural land.
This project seeks to create a commercial business financed with private capital via the issuance of a Wildflower Bond. It will establish 100 hectares of traditional wildflower meadow a year, over a 10- year period in key areas of England, building on the National Wildflower Centre’s existing work and relationships in the South West, North West and South East.
Eden Project will be joined by the Conservation Capital and The Biodiversity Consultancy in the develop of the business plan. The National Wildflower Centre will take responsibility for the ecological, logistical and marketing aspects of the scheme. Conservation Capital will focus on delivering four key business and finance deliverables. The Biodiversity Consultancy will support NWC to understand the value of its wildflower habitat creation and the monetisation mechanism.
Project Aim
To reverse the long-term decline in both habitat and associated wildlife through the creation of wildflower and flower rich landscape in England and reduce the decline in biodiversity which support local ecosystems.
Project partners
Funding model
National Wildflower Development Co. (“NWDC”) will generate revenue in two ways. First, by producing and selling wildflower offsets to companies that want to offset degradation caused by their projects. Second, by harvesting and selling wildflower seeds that the offset meadows produce.
The intention is to create a series of relations with:
- “Suppliers” of wildflower landbanks and seeds.
- “Offset Purchasers” who need / wish to offset their environmentally degrading projects.
- “Offset Providers” who are willing to grow wildflowers on their land
In some cases providers may also be purchasers.
Future Investment Potential
Thriving plants and wildlife:
- Contributing to the target of creating or restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife rich habitat outside of the protected site network.
- Taking action to recover threatened, iconic or economically important species of
plants.
Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently:
- Improving our approach to soil management: by 2030 all of England’s soils managed sustainably
Enhancing beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment:
- Safeguarding and enhancing the beauty of our natural scenery and improving its environmental value while being sensitive to considerations of its heritage.
- Making sure that there is high quality, accessible, natural spaces close to where people live and work, particularly in urban areas.
- Increasing action to improve the environment from all sectors of society.
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