PRESS RELEASE

1 September 2014

European Heritage Open Day: A Chance to see the Channel Tunnel as never before An opportunity to discover how the Tunnel integrates perfectly with its Marine and Terrestrial ecosystems

Eurotunnel is a perfect fit for the 2014 theme for the European Heritage Open Days "Cultural and Natural Heritage" as, since its conception, the Channel Tunnel has been committed to integrating with and preserving its local environment both on land and under the sea1 . Eurotunnel is offering the opportunity to visit its infrastructure in Folkestone on 13 September and in France on 20 September.
This event is a unique chance to visit a site not normally accessible to the general public. 2014 is an exceptional year as it marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of commercial services through the Tunnel. The European Heritage Open Days will showcase the know-how and railway expertise of the staff who run the longest undersea tunnel in the world on a daily basis. The railway, which is the most
heavily frequented in the world, carrying almost 400 trains per day transporting cars, coaches, trucks, freight and passengers between Folkestone and Coquelles in just 35 minutes, is a model of clean transport.
The visit will take in the major installations on the terminal, starting with Check-in and heading for the platforms whilst taking in the Le Shuttle service. It will be led by Eurotunnel managers who will explain what happens behind the scenes at the longest undersea tunnel in the world.
Eurotunnel has always been a true pioneer in terms of environmental responsibility and is today one of the most environmentally friendly transporters. Eurotunnel seeks to continue in this light and has committed to preserving a 6.6 hectare site to allow the protected orchid, the Fuchs Dactylorhize, to thrive. In order to develop bio-diversity, wetland areas have been created to encourage Peewits to nest. These areas are constantly monitored to improve their ecology. Samphire Hoe, the nature reserve at the foot of the White Cliffs, created from the 5 million m3 of chalk marl excavated during construction has been awarded a Green Flag, the highest accolade in terms of environmental quality,
for the 10th year in a row. Eurotunnel continues to develop in line with its ecological DNA: the latest
development is the creation of an electrical interconnector between France and the UK to help reduce carbon emissions by up to 6 million tonnes.

N.B: Please note, places must be reserved, in advance and before 4 September for the visit in the UK, and before 12 September for the visit in France.

1 The Channel Tunnel dug below the sea bed avoids any interaction with submarine life

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