The OPAL Code

Follow the OPAL Code - whether you're in a rural or urban location

When participating in our surveys or other outdoor activities please remember to respect
the environment and look after your own safety.

Plan your day

Where will your activity take place? Do you have permission to roam?
Land and waterways may be privately owned and have access rights or restrictions in place to protect the
habitats and wildlife. Make sure you have the landowner’s permission to enter a site before you set out.

Getting there

Take a map, GPS device or directions and make a note of where information centres are sited. This will
come in useful should you need assistance. Do take notice of sign posts. If using a vehicle, only park in
authorised spaces and try to avoid damage to grass verges and planted areas.

What’s the weather going to do?

Check the forecast before you leave. Some locations experience rapid changes in conditions so you
should consider packing extra layers and waterproofs.

On site

OPAL seeks to protect and preserve the environment. Please respect habitats, flora and fauna when
taking part in any of our activities. If you are conducting an experiment, please do not take samples of
plants, trees or rocks. Removing them may cause damage to the food supplies and shelter of local
wildlife; they may also be rare, or even endangered.

Take any rubbish and leftover food away with you and dispose of it correctly. Littering is an offence.
Cigarettes and matches can cause fires in vegetation, particularly in very dry weather, so be careful not
drop them.

Animals can behave unpredictably so give them plenty of space and respect their habitat. Many will
behave aggressively if they feel their young are threatened.

Keep dogs under control or on their lead. They can damage the environment and cause stress to other
animals. Do clean up after your dog; dog foul is unpleasant for others and can cause infection.

When you have finished your activities, don’t forget to leave gates as you found them.

Leave nature as you find it, to be enjoyed by others

Near water?

Be safe by taking notice of warning signs. Supervise children closely and keep a watchful eye on their
activities.

In an emergency

Take a fully charged mobile phone with you but bear in mind that signals may be weak in remote areas.
Leave details of your location and expected time of return with somebody at home or with an information
centre on site. If you get into difficulty, call for help or telephone 999.

Nature is there for us all to enjoy, protect and learn from. We hope these guidelines are helpful
and enable you to make the most of the great outdoors whilst keeping safe.

Sources:

• Natural England/The Countryside Code
• Birmingham Open Spaces Forum/Plant for Life – the Urban Code
• The National Water Safety Forum/Inland Water Safety