The Eden Project, the educational charity dedicated to protecting and championing endangered plants from around the world, is turning its attention to a different kind of critically endangered group this Christmas – Carols.
The new Save the Christmas Carol campaign follows concerning figures from Forebears, which indicate there are just over 5,000 Carols across Devon and Cornwall. More starkly, 2025 Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show no baby has been born in England with the name Carol since 2021.
In response, the Eden Project is giving every Carol, and anyone whose name belongs to the Carol family*, entry to Eden for just £1 between 20 November 2026 and 2 January 2027 to experience the seasonal magic of the Biomes and gardens as they turn into a mesmerising symphony of light, colour and music.
The name has a history of iconic figures. From Carol Kirkwood on the BBC weather, to Carol Burnett on the Hollywood stage, and Carole King in the recording studio, Carols have long been part of British and international life
Carols with links to Eden and a shared commitment to the natural world include presenter and campaigner Carol Vorderman, gardening broadcaster Carol Klein and TV presenter Carol Smillie.
Vorderman, whose birthday is none other than Christmas Eve, is Eden’s nominated Mrs Carol Claus. She is best known for her 26 years on Countdown and has been an ambassador for the King’s Trust, supporting its work advocating for young people. She has also championed environmental action, most recently fronting the Wales Recycles Be Mighty. Recycle campaign for Global Recycling Day in March 2026.
Eden Project Morecambe ambassador Carol Klein is one of the UK’s best-loved plantswomen, known for her work on BBC Gardeners’ World and for her garden at Glebe Cottage in Devon.
Another Carol with a close link to Eden is TV presenter Carol Smillie. A proud Scot, she has historically supported the Eden Project’s Big Lunch, the annual celebration of community that brings neighbours across the UK together to share food and friendship, and she will soon have an Eden Project on her doorstep, with Eden Project Scotland coming to Dundee.
Kate Francis, creative programme producer (head of Christmas cheer) at the Eden Project, said: "Every Christmas at Eden, we try to create a magical space that families and friends can come together and create lasting memories in. This year, we’re taking it a step further and shining a tongue-in-cheek light on the plight of the Christmas Carol – because after all, it’s not Christmas without a Carol or two!
“While we’re having a bit of festive fun, the message reflects something central to Eden too and that about valuing the things that make our world richer, providing positive inspiration and protecting nature and communities, which starts through connection – with each other and with the planet.”
For 25 years, Eden has brought the wonders of the natural world to its gardens and iconic biomes in Cornwall, inspiring more than 25 million visitors to better understand how we can protect our Earth for future generations.
This Christmas, Eden is inviting everyone to save the Christmas Carol, and to think about what we can all do to protect the environment on our own doorstep.
The Eden Project transforms over the festive period as the gardens and iconic Biomes become a magical Christmas wonderland with a brand-new Father Christmas experience. Experience Northern Lights-inspired ice skating until 21 February, the artisan Cornwall Christmas Fair on 18 and 19 November, and Helios, Luke Jerram’s seven-metre illuminated Sun, arriving in the Mediterranean Biome on 20 November. On select evenings, the Biomes and gardens glow with an immersive light and sound display.
The £1 entry offer is open to anyone named Carol, or variations of the Noel namesake, visiting the Eden Project this Christmas between 20 November 2026 and 2 January 2027. To find out more, visit www.edenproject.com.
The Eden Project has also re-launched its Community Weekends offer, giving eligible groups living in Cornwall and Devon, and their families, £1 entry on select weekends between now and March. Eligible groups include NHS and blue light workers, care professionals, educators, armed forces personnel, and charity workers and volunteers. For full details, visit www.edenproject.com.
