Eden strives to save the NWC

The Eden Project is fighting to saves a wildf lower facility from closure. The National Wildflower Centre (NWC), near Liverpool, was forced to close last month due to a lack of finance, also resulting in parent charity Landlife and trading company Landlife Flowers being placed in voluntary liquidation.

The eco-visitor attraction NWC, based at Court Hey Park, Knowsley, opened in 2001 as a Millennium project with a conference centre and demonstration gardens, regularly staging courses for both public and professionals.

Hopes remain that elements of the centre can be saved and, although a recent rescue bid failed, Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of Cornwall’s Eden Project, is leading fresh initiatives.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Sir Tim said: “Merseyside’s National Wildflower Centre has so much to give. It’s an organisation of national importance that has brought wildflowers back into the national consciousness. I believe that, in the hands of the Eden project, the NWC would be successful again.” He noted that help from the Big Lottery Fund and the local community would be key.

“We are considering how we can continue the legacy work of the NWC,” said an Eden spokesperson. “Our ongoing interest is sincere and, if a solution can be found, will ensure the continuation of this publicly-funded work for communities and gardens up and down the nation.”