Visitors to the Eden Project will have a chance to trek across an aerial rope bridge, shelter from tropical rain and travel through clouds when a thrilling new rainforest walkway opens next month (March 18).

The Weather Maker is the latest phase of the Rainforest Canopy Walkway and will enable everyone to explore the world's largest indoor rainforest from the treetops.

Construction of the unique development in the Rainforest Biome is nearing completion and will be officially opened on Saturday, March 18, with a weekend of exciting activities.

It will enable visitors to explore the canopy's hidden secrets, experience how rainforests affect weather and regulate the climate and see why the conservation of the world's rainforests is vital for all of our futures.

The Weather Maker includes:

- A wobbly Rope Bridge stretching 23 metres across the canopy between two of the tallest trees in the 50 metre-high Biome;
- A fully accessible Cloud Bridge where visitors can travel through swirling clouds and get a sense of how rainforests reflect sunlight and help cool the planet;
- A Rain Shack where visitors can shelter from a tropical rain storm and discover why it's so wet in the rainforests;
- A Rainforest Research Camp displaying the latest research from scientists at the University of Exeter who are working in the tropics exploring links between climate change and rainforests;
- The Climate Platform which will feature a Weather Station and a moving exhibit that symbolises the Earth and the atmosphere.
- Interactive Exhibits including a transpiration tree where visitors can pump water up a tree to see how it travels through leaves and into the sky to form clouds.   

Dr Jo Elworthy, Eden's Director of Interpretation, said: “Fifteen years after opening, our forest has grown sufficiently to take our visitors into the treetops.

“From on high, visitors will be able to explore the forest's hidden secrets and see first-hand how the world's hot, steamy rainforests help regulate climate.

“You'll be able to cross a high-level rope walkway, travel through heat-reflecting clouds and shelter from tropical rain.

'We'll also be showing you how you can get involved and support projects or take actions to conserve the forest. Conserving forests will help regulate our climate and sustain the world's people.”

The Weather Maker will be complemented by a new planting scheme featuring colourful bromeliads – epiphytic plants which grow on trees, stumps and branches. Bromeliads are especially adapted to thrive in the rainforest by anchoring themselves into the canopy and catching rainwater in their rosette-shaped leaves.

This latest stage of the Canopy Walkway has been designed and delivered by Blue Forest, Tate Harmer Architects, John Grimes Partnership, Ward Williams Associates, Ease and the Eden Project Rainforest Canopy Walkway project team.

The Canopy Walkway highlights the importance and wonder of rainforests. The first phase completed in 2013 includes paths set in the cliff face and stretching out through the rainforest. It introduces visitors to those who live and work in the forest, from indigenous and tribal peoples to canopy scientists.  

Near to the roof of the Biome there is also an aerial Rainforest Lookout, opened in 2010, which gives visitors a bird's eye view of the tropical canopy.

The Canopy Walkway has been supported by a number of educational and scientific foundations and individuals, including the Garfield Weston Foundation, Bunzl plc, The Kirby Laing Foundation and donors to the Eddie George Memorial Appeal as well as donations from Eden Project Members and visitors.

The Rainforest Canopy Walkway Weather Maker will be open to visitors from March 18 and all activities are included in the price of admission.

See full details of ticket prices on www.edenproject.com. For a video of the Rain Shack, see https://youtu.be/gqeeC0z7wRY.