Video shows 'several landslips' at Eden Project following flooding

Bosses say there were high volumes of rainwater at the site near St Austell

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 20th Dec 2020
Last updated 20th Dec 2020

This was the moment several landslips occurred at the Eden Project following heavy rainfall and significant flooding.

The attraction near St Austell has been closed for safety precautions after it happened on Sunday morning.

Eden Project closed due to flooding

Bosses have confirmed that nobody has been injured and managers are now assessing the damage.

"High volumes of rainwater have caused several landslips on the edge of the former quarry.

"Managers closed the site as a safety precaution and are now assessing the damage. There has been no injury to persons."

The Eden Project

One person who was at Eden when it happened told us:

"We were sat waiting to see Father Christmas when we were sadly asked to leave.

"It’s no ones fault and the damage was pretty severe, Eden staff were very apologetic and professional. It’s no ones fault."

Firefighters and the Environment Agency were called to the scene to pump the flood water away from the site.

Crews say the closing of the site means the public are not at risk.

"Shortly before 8:45am this morning our Critical Control Centre received a call from the Eden Project, St Austell asking for assistance to pump a large amount of flood water.

"An appliance from St Austell Community Fire Station were mobilised to liaise with staff on site, assess the incident and provide assistance if possible. After a quick assessment by the incident commander and liaison between Eden Project staff and the Environment Agency, the crew started pumping water away from the site.

"At 11:10am the crew ceased pumping and the Eden Project staff are arranging for a contractor to attend. We are aware that the Eden Project have taken the hard decision to close the site at the present time, as this incident is affecting one of the access roads. Closing the site has been done to ensure no members of the public are put at risk."

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

Customers were asked to leave the site after the landslips at the edge of the former quarry.

The attraction has now been closed and advice on when it will reopen will be available on the website.

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.

Videos/images courtesy of Lydia Allt.