Eco-friendly Eden Project to use plastic grass in play area

THE Eden Project has installed plastic grass to stop children getting muddy.

The eco-friendly Cornish botanic garden says it used the artificial grass at a playground because using the real thing would have led to the ground becoming mud “within a few hours”.

Artificial grass has become increasingly popular as householders look for low-maintenance ways to keep their garden looking tidy, but it sheds microplastic and deprives nature of a habitat.

Gardeners have been urged to move away from “tidy” gardens and allow lawns and weeds to grow to help nature.

Natural grass provides food for birds, a habitat for worms and insects, and when left to grow long, flowers for pollinators. But landscapers say they are under growing pressure to install plastic grass and artificial shrubs and hedges by clients.

Research has found that artificial lawns can increase flood risk because rain cannot drain naturally away, meaning it runs off.

There is also evidence that they can cause high heat levels in cities, adding to concerns over climate change.

Having fewer natural “soakaways” also increases pressure on the sewage system because rainwater reaches drains more quickly, overwhelming water treatment facilities.

Last year Jane Findlay, president of the Landscape Institute, the professional body for landscape gardeners, said plastic hedges were “easier and cheaper to maintain – so they can seem appealing, especially as maintenance budgets are generally far too low.

“But you are saving a small amount of short-term money at the expense of

‘To ensure the safety of the children enjoying this play area, we took the decision to use artificial grass’

a huge number of long-term benefits.”

A spokesman for the Eden Project said: “To ensure the safety of the children [in] this temporary play area, we are [using] durable and soft artificial grass that will be reused many times.”

The RHS no longer allows artificial grass at its flower shows as of this year.

Judges had awarded medals to exhibits including the material but it has now been banned in trade stands and show gardens, unless being used to make a point about bad practice.

John Lewis, which was criticised last year for selling it, said it was “keen to explore sustainable alternatives”.