Representing 20% of the Eden Project’s 400 strong workforce, the proposed redundancies are due to the “considerable economic challenges” they face. The contracting visitor economy across the South West and rising operational costs are behind the decision.

In a statement, an Eden Project spokesperson said: “The Eden Project is initiating proactive measures to ensure the long term economic stability of the organisation. We have explored every option and will create a new structure as a result of considerable economic challenges. This will involve reducing our payroll by an estimated 20 per cent, equivalent to around 80 redundancies, including 19 who have elected to leave voluntarily (through voluntary redundancy or retirement).

“A number of factors including the contraction of the visitor economy across the south west as well as significantly increased costs to businesses have made this process necessary.

“This process will set us on a path to continue our vital work as an environmental charity and a thriving visitor destination for our second quarter century and beyond.

“The Eden Project will now begin a consultation period lasting at least 45 days. Affected team members will be supported by the Members Assembly, the Eden Project’s staff representative body, and every effort will be made to minimise the number of job losses, with alternative roles or retraining offered where possible.”

Attractions across the UK are sadly experiencing similar challenging conditions. Speaking to the BBC in October last year, Malcolm Bell, the Executive chairman of Visit Cornwall, said that 2024 was the “flattest year he can remember”. Bell attributed a decline in visitors to a combination of poor weather, the general election and cost of living pressures.