Eden Project founder to visit Uni

Tim Smit is the Chief Executive and co-founder of the award-winning conservation tourist attraction in St Austell, Cornwall. He will visit Wolverhampton Science Park on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 to give a seminar on Inspirational Leadership.

The Eden Project opened its doors to the public in 2000 and since then more than eight million people have visited the global gardens and famous Biomes, one of which is the largest greenhouse in the world. Eden is now one of the UK's top gardens and tourist attractions and has contributed over £800 million into the Cornish economy.

In addition, Tim ‘discovered’ and was involved in the restoration of the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall in 1987 and he remains a Director of the gardens. In 2002 Tim was awarded an Honorary CBE in the New Years Honours List and was voted ‘Great Briton of 2007’ in the Environment category of the Morgan Stanley Great Britons Awards.

Paul Bishton, Deputy Director, Education Partnerships, said: “The University is delighted to invite Tim, and share his passion for dynamic leadership. We may not be botanical gurus, but can gain practical advice for the challenges faced when pioneering new and exciting initiatives that benefit communities.”

The seminar is part of the Inspirational Leadership series and is organised by Leadership and Development (LEAD) at the University.

Please contact Lina Jarvis on 01902 518964 or lina.jarvis@wlv.ac.uk to book a place at this event.

Further information

Photocall: Tim Smit is available for a photocall at 9.30am on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 at Wolverhampton Science Park. Please contact Vickie Woodward in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112 to arrange.

Picture: Tim Smit.

t lecture.