Dan James and the Eden Project, bringing nature back into urban areas to support people and boost biodiversity

At the heart of Canary Wharf, a new kind of urban space is flourishing. Dan James, Development Director at the Eden Project, describes Eden Dock as a living example of how cities can nurture biodiversity while reconnecting people with nature. “We’re proving that urban areas can support biodiversity, help people foster a deeper connection with nature, and be part of the climate solution,” he says. 

Eden Dock is designed to be more than just greenery – it’s a space that combines environmental care with social impact. “Eden Dock supports nature and social recovery at the same time. It’s a biodiverse space that also gets people enjoying the outside,” Dan explains. “It supports biodiversity, reconnects people and nature, and shows how urban areas can be part of the climate solution.” 

The project emphasises small, thoughtful interventions that have measurable effects. “You get a really measurable impact on biodiversity in cities by using smaller interventions and just getting people thinking differently about how they use their spaces. Eden Dock is a great example of that. We start to see people now come out and have their lunch on the Dock, where maybe before, they just sat inside in their office space.” 

Looking ahead, the Eden Project is exploring new ways to integrate greenery into the built environment. “Next at Canary Wharf, we’re exploring the opportunity to merge inside and outside space. How can we create horticulture that is both inside the buildings but flowing out into the outside?” 

Dan highlights the wider significance of Eden Dock. “Canary Wharf is a showcase to prove that this is possible. So, when developers across the country are creating new town centres or new infrastructure, they can think about the role that nature plays within that design process. They can create spaces that really respect and value nature- and start to drive people’s engagement with it far deeper than we’ve had so far.” 

For Dan and the Eden Project team, the impact is tangible and ongoing. “For us, Eden Dock is the gift that keeps on giving. Every time you see it, there’s some lovely new story, or someone else engaging with it. So we are just over the moon with it.” 

The ambition to reshape our cities is at the core of the Eden Project’s partnership at Canary Wharf, inspiring others to imagine what’s possible when nature is prioritised. Their bold vision pushes the boundaries of urban design, showing that even the most built-up environments can be transformed into havens for both people and wildlife. 

Read more about the Canary Wharf Group and Eden Project partnership Canary Wharf Group partnership | Eden Project