Eden Project Unveils Giant Sand Drawing at Watergate Bay to Launch Summer Programme

Striking sea creature kicks off Eden Project’s Enchanted Earth summer season at Watergate Bay

The beach at Watergate Bay looked a little different this morning as an enormous octopus appeared in the sand – but only for a few hours.

On Wednesday 23rd July, visitors to the popular north Cornwall beach were treated to a fleeting spectacle as the Eden Project unveiled a 100-metre wide sand drawing to mark the launch of its Enchanted Earth summer programme.

Washed Away by the Tide

The temporary artwork, created by art collective Sand In Your Eye, depicted a giant octopus emerging from the sea with the Eden Project’s iconic Biomes in the background. It was carefully crafted in the morning through a detailed process of outlining and raking, and fully visible only for a short time in the early afternoon before the incoming tide swept it away.

The design was chosen to highlight the theme of nature’s hidden magic and transience, a message central to Enchanted Earth, which runs from 24th July to 7th September.

Jamie Wardley, Artistic Director of Sand In Your Eye, said:
“The Eden Project is inspirational in its positive and immersive outlook on nature and the challenges we face. So much so that it has influenced our own work and we have visited with our family a number of times. We are delighted to be making some beach art together!”

What to Expect at Enchanted Earth

Following the dramatic beach display, Eden’s summer programme promises a sensory experience that invites visitors to reconnect with the wonders of the natural world.

Among the highlights are:

• A spectacular sound, light and digital projection experience at the heart of the Eden Project, featuring kaleidoscopic visuals, bioluminescent oceans and shimmering stardust

• Hands-on activities like giant mineral dig pits for geological explorers

• A shimmering butterfly ceiling installation by award-winning artist Anne Bennett

• Live storytelling and lifelike puppetry in The Zoo Keepers, performed by Bristol’s Scarlet Oak Theatre

Kate Francis, the Eden Project’s Live Producer, said:
“It’s been completely magical to kick off our summer programme today with this incredible piece of art, which wasn’t here for long but made a big impact. Today’s sand art is just a flavour of the surprises in store at Enchanted Earth this summer, which features a whole roster of inspiring activities for people of all ages to discover.”

Climate and Wildlife in the Spotlight

The Eden Project says Enchanted Earth aims to inspire care for the environment at a time of increasing ecological change. The region’s coastline has recently seen a rise in unusual marine activity, including humpback sightings, an Iberian orca near the Isles of Scilly, and booming octopus populations. Warmer waters caused by climate change are believed to be affecting marine food chains.

A World-Class Exhibition Returns

Also returning this summer is the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, now in its 60th year. One hundred of the world’s most striking images will be displayed across Eden’s lush gardens and Core building until 28th September.

All Enchanted Earth experiences are included with Eden Project admission. Tickets start from £38 for adults and include an annual pass. Visitors on Universal or Pension Credit can gain entry for £5. Full details and ticket bookings are available at www.edenproject.com.