Discover the diverse range of wildlife that hedges support. Take part in the OPAL biodiversity survey today.
Learn new skills, have fun, and help scientists in important research
Join in the OPAL biodiversity survey and discover the diverse range of wildlife that hedges support.
Download a free survey pack and get involved today.
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 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.
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.
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 Centre, based at The Open University (OU), is working to raise our awareness of the diversity of life. You can get involved by taking part in the national biodiversity survey and by joining in the online nature community iSpot.
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.
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.
"As the weather turns distinctly autumnal.....the sight of fungi reminds me that the colder months can be great for enjoying nature too"
Sarah West’s blog, OPAL Yorkshire and Humber
"The Ally Pally Bioblitz was HUGE! We had around 100 scientists and 8000 members of the public"
Lucy Carter's blog, Natural History Museum
As an OPAL user you can analyse your survey results and comment on our news stories and blogs. You'll also receive our bi-monthly newsletter keeping you up to date with everything that's going on with OPAL.
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.
We'd love to hear a little about you and your experience so we can improve future OPAL activities.
Data will be collected by our partners at the University of Central Lancashire.
| 11 | Wild About Wood Castle Howard Arboretum, York10:00 - 17:00 |
| 11 | Friends of King Norton Open Day Kings Norton Nature Reserve, Birmingham11:00 - 16:00 |
| 12 | Wild about Wood Castle Howard Arboretum, York10:00 - 17:00 |
| 13 | Moth identification training course Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley, Shropshire10:00 - 16:00 |
| 14 | Biodiversity survey training event Worcestershire Wildlife Trust headquarters, Lower Smite Farm14:00 - 16:00 |
Can you help to identify these plants and animals? Click on a photo to share your opinion with the OPAL iSpot community.
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Respect, protect and enjoy our environment
Wherever you take part in OPAL surveys and activities, please follow the OPAL Code.
Did 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
Supported by the
Big Lottery Fund
