Join the air survey in September and discover how lichens on trees can help us find out. Learn more about the survey and how you can take part.
Learn new skills, have fun, and help scientists in important research
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Take part in the soil and earthworm survey and discover the incredible world of earthworms.
Help OPAL scientists with valuable research and see your results instantly on our interactive map.
OPAL has funded the development of five National Centres, each with a particular research focus. They aim to increase our knowledge and understanding of our environment.
The OPAL Soil Centre aims to improve our knowledge of soils throughout England. How polluted is our soil? How much difference does location make?
The soil and earthworm survey is one way the OPAL soil team hope to investigate these questions, and you can help.
How does air pollution affect our plants and natural environment? What happens when you include the effects of climate change?
The OPAL Air Centre has been set up to explore the impact of air pollution by exposing plants to pollutants in controlled conditions.
Visit the Air Centre on an open day to learn all about the varied research projects and discover why air pollution is such an important global issue.
Lakes and ponds provide a home for so many fascinating creatures, but pollution is an increasing problem.
The OPAL water team are monitoring ponds and lakes throughout England to investigate the levels of pollution and study the effects on the animals that live there.
The UK is home to a fascinating range of plants and animals, and there is so much to learn about every one of them.
The OPAL biodiversity team, based at the Open University (OU), are running projects to raise our awareness of UK biodiversity. One of these projects is the iSpot website - an online nature community where people can share photos and help each other identify wildlife.
Climate change is perhaps the most pressing environmental issue today. But how exactly is the climate changing in Britain? And what can we do about it?
The OPAL climate team have installed weather stations throughout London to analyse and raise awareness of current weather patterns. An educational website will provide up-to-date information and encourage people to get involved.
As an OPAL user you can enter your survey results online and comment on our news stories and blogs. We will also be introducing many exciting features to this site for you to share and discuss your experiences.
Registering is quick and easy, all you need is an email address.
OPAL is a new partnership initiative celebrating biodiversity, environmental quality and people’s engagement with nature.
Around 90% of the lowland heathland in Nottinghamshire has been lost since 1922
Follow our blogs to get an inside look at OPAL. Be the first to know what's happening near you, learn about Open Air Laboratories research and talk to our community scientists.
"Emma's team managed to charm 51 worms, which we thought was very impressive compared to the measly 6 we managed"
Sarah West’s blog, OPAL Yorkshire and Humber
"It took four weeks, and a good few thousand miles, but finally all 257 soil samples have been collected!"
Ed Tripp’s blog, OPAL East Midlands
"Last weekend I attended.....bioblitz and the World Worm Charming Championships!"
Lucy Carter's blog, Natural History Museum
The OPAL partnership is led by Imperial College London
Supported by the
Big Lottery Fund
