OPAL Water

Help monitor and protect our lakes and ponds

We want everyone to become interested in the aquatic world, and have the skills to observe changes in water quality through the identification of key plants and animals.

Protecting a nature oasis
Ponds and pools are often the focus of a local community as they are frequently located in shared spaces such as parks and recreation areas. They can be oases of biodiversity in otherwise ecologically poor locations and are important for both human and environmental wellbeing.

However, these freshwater environments are often struggling with problems such as water pollution and nutrient enrichment, and may also be poorly managed.

We are leading two OPAL Water projects to learn more about the lakes and ponds in England and to help in their conservation.

OPAL Water projects

OPAL Water research news and Simon's fieldwork diary

The lakes and ponds we are monitoring

East of England: East Midlands: London: North East: North West: South East: South West: West Midlands: Yorkshire and Humber:

Holt Hall Lake, Holt Thoresby Lake, near Mansfield Wake Valley Pond, Epping Forest Crag Lough, near Haltwhistle Marton Mere, Blackpool Fleet Pond, Fleet Slapton Ley, Slapton Edgbaston Pool, Birmingham Chapman's Pond, York

Partner organisations
We work with a number of organisations across the country to help with our research. You can also get involved with their work. They are always keen to welcome new members.

Contact us
opalwatercentre@geog.ucl.ac.uk

OPAL Water is led by University College London