One of Cornwall’s biggest tourist and environmental attractions, the Eden Project has confirmed it will cut 80 jobs as a result of rising costs and declining visitation.

This is the second wave of job cuts for the Cornish botanical garden in the last 12 months.

A spokesperson for the St Austell site says “every effort” will be made to minimise job losses, with the option for staff to retrain for other roles where possible – a consultation period of at least 45 days is now set to begin.

They add that the attraction has faced “considerable economic challenges”, including “contraction of the visitor economy across the south west as well as significantly increased costs to businesses have made this process necessary.

“This process will set us on a path to continue our vital work as an environmental charity and a thriving visitor destination for our second quarter century and beyond.”

Of the 80 employees facing unemployment, 19 elected to leave voluntarily – these cuts will lead to a payroll reduction cost of 20%.