Here Today, Gone with the Tide – huge sand art launches Eden Project summer programme

Eden Project and renowned sand artists highlight the magic of nature in fleeting 100m anamorphic artwork.

The sands of Watergate Bay were yesterday [23 July] transformed into a canvas for a unique art installation courtesy of the Eden Project, which descended on the much-loved beach to launch its Enchanted Earth summer programme.

Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the artwork were treated to a spectacular show of nature lasting just a couple of hours. The sand drawing, depicting a gigantic octopus emerging from the water, backed by the iconic Biomes, was expertly crafted during the morning through a meticulous outlining and raking process. Representing the ephemeral and rarely-seen aspects of our natural world, a theme running through Enchanted Earth, the final artwork was visible in all its glory for a brief window in the early afternoon, with the tide soon approaching to wash it away again. 

The unique installation was created by art collective Sand In Your Eye and commissioned by the Eden Project to kick off a summer programme jam-packed with theatre, exploration, hands-on discovery and awe-inspiring beauty. Emphasising themes of beauty, fragility and intrigue, the sand drawing gives a flavour of the magic and mystery on display as part of Enchanted Earth this summer, with the programme running from 24 July to 7 September.

Jamie Wardley, Artistic Director of Sand In Your Eye, said: “The Eden Project is inspirational in its positive and immersive outlook on nature and the challenges we face.  So much so that it has influenced our own work and we have visited with our family a number of times. We are delighted to be making some beach art together!”

Kate Francis, the Eden Project’s Live Producer, said: “It’s been completely magical to kick off our summer programme with this incredible piece of art, which wasn’t here for long but made a big impact. Today’s sand art is just a flavour of the surprises in store at Enchanted Earth this summer, which features a whole roster of inspiring activities for people of all ages to discover. Conceived to conjure up captivating magical features seen in the natural world, Enchanted Earth creates an unmissable immersive experience that anyone visiting Cornwall this summer should put on their bucket list.”

With sustainability and climate consciousness at the heart of their work, Sand In Your Eye is a unique group of creatives, producing innovative art ranging from sand drawings and sculptures to field paintings across green spaces and ice installations.

The waters surrounding Cornwall have played host to bumper marine sightings this year, with clifftops around Watergate Bay and surrounding beaches teeming with wildlife enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of magnificent humpbacks. More recently, an Iberian orca made a UK-first appearance off the Isles of Scilly and booming octopus populations are being observed.

Scientists believe these unusual sightings can be attributed to warmer waters, driven by rapid climate change, which can disrupt the delicate food chain. In response to this shifting natural world, the Eden Project’s Enchanted Earth invites visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of our planet, fall in love with its beauty and discover ways to care for and protect it. 

From the microscopic to the cosmic, Enchanted Earth is a spellbinding immersion into the hidden and rarely seen wonders of the natural world and beyond, running from July 24 – September 7 with an extraordinary sensory sound, light and digital projection experience at the centre of the Eden Project site enveloping visitors in kaleidoscopic visuals, bioluminescent oceans, shimmering wings and swirling stardust. 

For those who want hands-on opportunities, explorers can don geological caps and dig for dazzling treasures in giant crystal and mineral dig pits, marvel at a shimmering ceiling of butterflies—a stunning art installation by award-winning artist Anne Bennett—and be moved by lifelike animal puppetry with The Zoo Keepers – a cheeky, charming storytelling performance by Bristol-based Scarlet Oak Theatre.  

Giving visitors another chance to marvel at other wonderous fleeting moments in nature, the Eden Project will again host the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Now in its 60th year, 100 of the world’s most powerful images of the natural world will be nestled across the Eden Project’s lush gardens and Core. They will be on display until September 28.

All Enchanted Earth activities are included within admission. General admission tickets start from £38 per adult and double up as an annual pass, granting unlimited entries to the Eden Project for 12 months. Universal and Pension Credit admission is available for £5 per adult.