Array ( [0] => Array ( [pic] => /opal-squirrel-header.jpg [alt] => Grey squirrel [title] => Grey squirrel ) [1] => Array ( [pic] => /opal-duck-header.jpg [alt] => Mallard duck [title] => Mallard duck ) [2] => Array ( [pic] => /opal-gold-finch-header.jpg [alt] => Goldfinch [title] => Goldfinch ) [3] => Array ( [pic] => /opal-ladybird-header.jpg [alt] => Seven-spotted ladybird [title] => Seven-spotted ladybird ) [4] => Array ( [pic] => /opal-rabbit-header.jpg [alt] => Wild rabbit [title] => Wild rabbit ) ) Grey squirrel

OPAL surveys - we need you!

Learn new skills, have fun, and help scientists in important research

Air survey - now live

Sycamore leaf with tar spotsJoin in the OPAL air survey and help scientists with valuable air pollution research.

Download a free survey pack and get involved today.

 


Discover the work of our National Centres

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.

Soil

The OPAL Soil Centre aims to improve our knowledge of the world beneath us. How polluted is our soil? Which earthworms live in which soil types?

The soil and earthworm survey is one way our soil team hope to investigate these questions, and you can help.

Air

How does air pollution affect our plants and natural environment?

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.

Water

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.

Biodiversity

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

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.


Blogs - latest posts

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.


"Yesterday I saw something I'd never seen before....a sea hare...found it whilst running a marine mollusc course "
Sarah West’s blog, OPAL Yorkshire and Humber


"I have been extremely busy over the last few months...these two videos explain what I have been doing"
Ed Tripp’s blog, OPAL East Midlands


"A big part of my work on OPAL is supporting all sorts of different wildlife groups including natural history societies and recording schemes"
Lucy Carter's blog, Natural History Museum

 


Register as an OPAL user

Join the growing community

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 partnership initiative celebrating biodiversity, environmental quality and people’s engagement with nature.

 


Kids zone

 

Worm gameBecome a pollution buster, create your own wormery and play online games such as earthworm frenzy.

 

Visit the OPAL kids zone for games, activity sheets and competitions.

 

 


Upcoming events

13Maker Faire, Newcastle
Life Science Centre, NewcastleAll Day
13Biodiversity and air pollution at Butser Hill
Butser Hill NNR, HampshireAll Day
13Discovery Day at the National Railway Museum
National Railway Museum, YorkAll Day
14Bird walk in Gheluvelt Park
Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne Road, Worcester10:00 - 12:00
14Trees and lichens in Museum Gardens
Yorkshire Museum Gardens, York13:30 - 16:00


Respect, protect and enjoy our environment

Wherever you take part in OPAL activities, please follow the Countryside Code.

 


30%

Earthworm in soilDid you know...

An earthworm can eat the equivalent of 30% of its own body weight per day.
 


The OPAL partnership is led by Imperial College London
 

  • Field Studies Council
  • Imperial College London
  • Met Office
  • National Biodiversity Network Trust
  • Natural History Museum
  • Newcastle University
  • Open University
  • Royal Parks
  • University College London
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Central Lancashire
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of York


Supported by the
Big Lottery Fund

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