#10 'renowned environment guru' Sir Tim Smit founder of the Eden Project

Join Head of Purpose Mark Longbottom interviewing the inspirational Sir Tim Smit. Tim dreamt about a gigantic ‘tree museum’ that would go on to become one of the largest and most popular tourist attractions in the world. He turned that dream into a reality around the time of the new millennium. The project centred on the build of these giant biomes that take people on a journey of discovery through the undergrowth of Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Mediterranean all while using green technologies. Sir Tim and his team raised £80 million as start-up and build capital, transforming a disused China Clay Pit in Cornwall to social enterprise that has brought over £1 billion to the once failing Cornish economy. He describes it as ‘kissing a frog to make a prince’ . The museum became so much more and had educated hundreds and thousands and promises to spread its magic across the Globe including China and New Zealand. Hear about Edens challenge with the effects of COVID-19, Tim’s founder story including the early years as a successful music writer and producer in Soho, his frustration with his beloved Nottingham Forest and so much more. It really is a great listen.