Inspiring collaboration as young people in Morecambe help to shape Eden Project garden

Enthusiastic young people in Morecambe came together last night, (November 26), for an exciting evening of collaboration, creativity and connection looking ahead to the creation of the Eden Project Bring Me Sunshine Garden.

Hosted at the Trimpell Sports and Social Club by Harry Holding Studio and educational charity the Eden Project, the event welcomed local young participants to learn about and explore the development of the garden and its upcoming installation at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

The evening provided a vibrant and engaging platform for attendees, all aged between 16 and 25, to share their ideas for the garden, discover avenues to develop new skills, and meet with Harry Holding and other creatives.

Harry kick-started the event with a walk-through of the proposed garden, bringing the design to life with sample plants and materials, whilst also outlining avenues available over the coming year for young people to continue their involvement with the project.

Hands-on activities included an immersive art workshop led by artist Finbar Ward, who used clay, foraged natural materials and landscape-inspired visuals to explore themes connected to the show garden.

Other activity stations invited attendees to design postcards, create badges and map ideas as a collective group. Food was provided by Wrap Ninjas.

Alex Maynard, 25, attended last night’s event. They said: “I’m so happy to be involved in this project and to see a community garden being developed in the town I grew up in. Hopefully a community of nature lovers will grow out of it, giving us all a space to learn, participate, grow and connect.”

Harry Holding said: “The creativity, energy and openness shared by those who came along to the event has been incredibly inspiring. Their voices will enrich the project even further. We are excited to have young people at the heart of this process and look forward to working with them more over the coming year.”

Designed by Harry Holding Studio and architect Alex Michaelis of Michaelis Boyd Associates, the garden takes centre stage at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. It has been made possible thanks to match-funding from grant-making charity Project Giving Back.

After the show, the garden will be permanently relocated to Eden Project Morecambe, forming part of a vibrant 1.6-acre public community garden. There it will become a living classroom, community hub and beacon of regeneration, rooted in both the natural and cultural heritage of Morecambe Bay.

Work to install the garden will begin in summer 2026, with plans to officially open to the public as it bursts into spring colour in 2027, ahead of Eden Project Morecambe’s full opening the following year.

John Pye, Eden Project Morecambe’s project director, said: “Last night’s event is a clear demonstration of our commitment to build long-term engagement and provide opportunities for young people in Morecambe and the surrounding area. They are the next generation so it is crucial their voices are heard. We are delighted to have them involved in this project.”

Construction will soon be underway for Eden Project Morecambe – a landmark development on the site of a former seafront leisure complex – featuring a gigantic dome that makes it unmistakably Eden, along with new gardens and educational facilities.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University and is due to open in late 2028.

For more information on Eden Project Morecambe see www.edenproject.com/morecambe.