A GROUP of pupils got up-close and personal with leading environmentalists including national treasure Sir David Attenborough - during a presentation which highlighted the need for Eden Portland.

Portland's 'Eden project' is a proposed development that would be based at a former quarry and mine within the tunnels of Albion Stone's Jordans Mine, with a vision to create an extraordinary subterranean visitor experience dedicated to biodiversity.

Pupils from Atlantic Academy and St George's Primary on the island were invited to the Royal Geographical Society in London for a presentation hosted by Sir David Attenborough and Eden Project International visionary Sir Tim Smit.

READ MORE: 'Disadvantaged Weymouth and Portland need Eden Portland'

Dorset Echo: Sir David Attenborough and Sir Tim Smit, also right, at the event Pictures: DBOX/Sebastian BrookeSir David Attenborough and Sir Tim Smit, also right, at the event Pictures: DBOX/Sebastian Brooke

Spokeswoman from Eden Portland, Beatrice Brooke said: "Sir Tim spoke about the proposed Portland development and said he was 'proud' that the Eden Project was collaborating with the MEMO Project on Eden Portland."

She added: "The project will bring with it the possibility for real and lasting regeneration for the area.

"It would provide huge economic generation to both Portland and Weymouth - and would be an off-shoot of Sir Tim Smit's Eden Project in Cornwall.

READ MORE: Hope for Eden Portland despite delays to funding

The presentation was held on behalf of Half-Earth Day 2021, which brought together people from around the world and across disciplines to share their unique perspectives on how to ensure the health of our planet for future generations.

As part of highlighting Eden Portland, the presentation from the environmental leaders projected another initiative by Eden Portland - a nine-metre Wood's cycad tree carved made from completely from stone, which would be displayed inside one of the proposed project's subterranean tunnels.

Dorset Echo: Projected image courtesy of: DBOX supplied by Sebastian BrookeProjected image courtesy of: DBOX supplied by Sebastian Brooke

Mrs Brooke added: "At the presentation behind these two great men, appeared a backdrop of the astonishing image of the Wood cycad tree and what it would like inside Eden Portland."

The carving was created by Sebastian Brooke, stonemason and founder of the MEMO Project, which is now collaborating with the Eden Project on Eden Portland.

Inscriptions have been made to put on the stone tree by more than 700 Portland children.

These inscriptions will be carved onto the tree when the carving takes up temporary residence in the Atlantic Academy Wildlife Garden and Growing Area, currently being created by Island Community Action.

Mr Brooke said: "Sir Tim Smit gave his prominence to the Eden Portland proposal among all other Eden International projects."

The proposed Eden Portland would bring together the visions of two world-class attraction projects that had been planned for Portland for some time – MEMO and Jurassica.

Dorset Echo: Portland Atlantic Academy pupil Finlay Short met Sir Tim Smit. Picture: Beatrice BrookePortland Atlantic Academy pupil Finlay Short met Sir Tim Smit. Picture: Beatrice Brooke