Eden Trust, which owns the Cornish visitor attraction, Eden Project, has reported a deficit of £6.3m for the year ending March 2013, compared with a surplus of £136,052 the previous year.

The Cornwall eco-attraction blames a number of factors for its dramatic loss in income, including the 2012 Olympics followed by terrible winter weather; and the economic outlook and recession.

The Eden Trust's loss of £6.3m is after depreciation and grant leases are accounted for. Its deficit before depreciation is £1.37m.

Last year, the Eden Trust cut 67 jobs as part of a cost-cutting drive to save more than £2m. In its accounts, Eden says it was reluctant to reduce levels of employment, but it was essential to preserve the organisation for the longer term.

In a further statement, the Eden Trust says its rationalisation should lead to Eden delivering a surplus in excess of £2m in the year ending 31 March 2014.

Eden opened in 2001 as a showcase for nature in a series of huge dome-shaped greenhouses.