PIC: MARK PASSMORE/APEX 28/06/2019 Eden Project: Galmpton Big Lunch. Pictured L-R: Gracie Edgecombe, Iris Blanchard and Eliza King ---------------------------------------------------- APEX NEWS AND PICTURES NEWS DESK: 01392 823144 PICTURE DESK: 01392 823145

The Eden Project in Cornwall is offering children UK-wide the unique opportunity to step into its magical rainforest biome from the comfort of their homes and classrooms this April.

In a special live lesson taking place ahead of Eden Project’s community food-sharing initiative The Big Lunch on 7 and 8 June, the educational charity will stream the session free of charge on 25 April as part of its mission to inspire people to strengthen their social connections and do something positive for the planet.

The opportunity has been uniquely tailored for children aged 5-11 in key stages 1 and 2, offering a free 45-minute live interactive lesson at 09.45 on 25 April.

Storytellers from the Eden Project will share the ‘Rainforest Big Lunch’ story, all about a community of animals coming together for a rainforest party, with one monkey on a mission to make a special dish comprised of ingredients that can be sourced in the rainforest.

Children will then have the opportunity to enjoy solving clues to find some of Eden’s most iconic plants, all while considering the connection between tropical rainforests and the food eaten here in the UK. Anyone attending will also be invited to design the front cover of the Rainforest Big Lunch story using a downloadable template, with the best illustrations set to be displayed at the Eden Project!

With Eden experts guiding them through the rainforest, children will be encouraged to think about the links between tropical wildlife and the resources that humans use, as well as food sources and social eating, enabling them to plan how they could hold a more sustainable and rainforest-friendly Big Lunch of their own.

This year, The Big Lunch takes place on 7 and 8 June, with millions of people expected to share friendship, food and fun in cities, towns and villages around the UK.

Sam Kendall, Head of Schools Learning, said: “This April, we’re inviting children from all over the UK to join us on a very special adventure through the incredible rainforest biome here at the Eden Project. This fun and thought-provoking lesson is set to be jam-packed with stunning visuals, engaging storytelling and learning opportunities, as well as simple and fun ways for young people to take action to help the planet. With social eating at the heart of our Big Lunch initiative, we’re certain that all children and teachers will be left with plenty of food for thought!”

The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project made possible with support from the Pears Foundation and corporate partners Co-op and Greene King. It’s the UK’s annual celebration for neighbours and the biggest community-led fundraiser, bringing millions of people together in a nationwide act of friendship in June every year since 2009. Her Majesty The Queen has been patron since 2013.

Book your place at – https://events.more-human.co.uk/event/the-big-lunch-live-lesson-from-the-eden-project-rainforest–with-eden-project

Find out more about The Big Lunch and access free resources to get the party started at www.TheBigLunch.com

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.