Portland's memo plans were revived for the former quarry

Mr. Brooke said: “It is still very on the cards that Eden will lead.

“If we are successful, it will create about 100 annual jobs and another 500 or so indirect jobs in the community.

“The issue of species is something that everyone can leave behind.

“We have a new partnership with the Natural History Museum to bring the topic of a wider audience.”

Mr. Brooke added that the government's support “is the key”.

“We spoke to many philanthropists all over the world.

“Again and again the answer is” come back to us when the government is committed “.

“It now looks like we're getting very close.”

You can find details on advice on the Memo Portland websitePresent external.