The Eden Project has launched its first iPhone app, called the Insider Guide.
The app, which is available to download now, is designed to enhance the experience of visitors to the Eden Project with an interactive map, exciting trails, special offers and even the ability to send a real postcard featuring your own picture directly from your phone.
The Insider Guide's customisable map helps visitors explore and discover new parts of Eden, signposting the things they're most interested in, such as plants, kids' stuff, sculptures, restaurants and quiet spots. Zoom in and it even lifts the lid on the Biomes, revealing the secrets within.
The Nature trails section offers children with a series of fun treasure hunts around the Eden Project, taking them on a search for interesting items, plants and creatures – all based around different themes, such as smells, survival and rainforests.
Information within the app is updated each day, so visitors can find out the latest events at Eden and enjoy daily special offers in Eden's shops and cafés.
Bridging the gap between digital and physical, users of the app can choose or take a photo to create a real-life postcard with a personal message that can be delivered to anywhere in the world, all from within the app. At least 60p from every postcard's cost is given as a charitable donation to Eden Project. It's a feature that can be used again and again, wherever the user is.
A built-in QR Reader allows visitors to scan tagged plants and attractions to discover the fascinating facts behind them.
The app also features a number of audio stories, told by Eden's storytelling team, plus rich video content all about the plants and places at the Eden Project.
Nina Whitby, Eden's Digital Editor, said: "We're really excited to release the first ever Eden iPhone app. Our aim is for it to enrich people's visit with extra information to help plan a visit and get the most out of a trip to Eden – but also to provide something fun and useful to delve into back at home."
The Insider Guide has been developed by Eden's in-house digital team with assistance from the digital agencies Make it Digital and Make it Clear.
The Insider Guider is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later. It is not currently compatible with iPad. It is available for £2.99 from Apple's App Store.
