September 2010
Gardens are biodiversity hotspots for earthworms
Results from the OPAL soil and earthworm survey are already starting to show that gardens are among the best places to find different species of earthworms.
Gardens are also the habitat where you can expect to find the largest number of earthworms.
These are just some of the findings that earthworm expert David Jones has uncovered from looking at the 3,400 soil and earthworm surveys submitted so far.
Read his full report to discover more about the findings. Which earthworm has been found most frequently? What soils do earthworms prefer?
Take part and contribute your findings
It’s not too late to get involved. We’ll be collecting results for the next two years, and the more surveys we receive, the more valuable our research becomes.
Get started by downloading a free survey pack with full instructions and an illustrated earthworm guide.
Enjoy other OPAL surveys
The air, water and biodiversity surveys are also live and we will continue to collect your results until mid 2012. Together, these surveys will help our scientists learn more about the overall state of our environment.
Join the Big Nature Debate
Are you concerned about the loss of biodiversity? What do you think we should be doing to manage and preserve it? Join the Big Nature Debate and have your say.
Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. It is important to us for food, medicine, clean water, and much more.
Unfortunately, biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate and this could have major consequences for our well-being.
Tell us what you think
Read the Big Nature Debate blog, where experts will give their views, then discuss and share your thoughts in the Big Nature Debate forums.
A panel of experts will be discussing the issues at the Natural History Museum on 7 October. This event will also be streamed live online.
Your comments, questions and views will form a central part of this discussion. Take this chance to have your say and let our leaders know biodiversity is important to you.
The global biodiversity conference – make your contribution
Governments from all over the world will discuss the issues of biodiversity at a conference in Nagoya, Japan, from 18-29 October. Their decisions will have a huge influence on the Earth's biodiversity for years to come.
We will pass on the key outcomes from the Big Nature Debate to the government before the conference.
OPAL at the British Science Festival
Enjoy an incredible range of activities at the British Science Festival, including a unique OPAL light show, at various venues throughout Birmingham from 14-19 September.
The British Science Festival is one of Europe’s largest science festivals. You’ll be able to meet and debate with famous faces, join in discussions, watch films, and take part in many other activities.
Bring the family and join OPAL at the following events.
Interactive OPAL light show – Friday 17 September, 20.00-23.00
Enjoy a 3-hour interactive light show staged along the canal waterside of the city centre. It starts at 8pm at The Mailbox Waterside Quay and projections move along the canal towards the ICC Symphony Hall and the National Sea Life Centre. The theme of the projections will be science in a changing landscape.
Take part in OPAL surveys – Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September, 10.00-15.00
Join in the soil, air, water and biodiversity surveys with help from OPAL scientists. It's completely free and the data you collect will contribute to valuable research. It all takes place at the Aston University Campus. Meet outside the Lakeside Conference Centre.
Biodiversity in 2010: OPAL’s Jonathan Silvertown discusses what’s next for nature, Friday 17 September, 10.00-12.00
Jonathan Silvertown, Professor of Ecology at the Open University, discusses what biodiversity is, why it matters, its present status and future prospects.
Location: Room MB461, Aston University Campus. Admission is free but booking is required.
The biodiversity survey begins!
Join in our latest national survey and discover the incredible diversity of life that hedges support.
The importance of hedges for wildlife is often overlooked. Many invertebrates, small mammals and birds rely heavily on them for food and shelter. In fact 10 of the 18 most threatened British mammals feed on fruits and berries that grow in hedges.
By taking part in the biodiversity survey, you’ll discover how important your local hedge is for wildlife, and learn ways to improve it. Your results will also help our scientists with valuable national research.
It’s easy to take part and great fun too. Just download one of our free survey packs, which include full instructions and a handy guide to identify invertebrates.
Don’t forget to submit your results online to get a full evaluation of your hedge so you can compare with others in our results section. You'll also be entered into our monthly prize draw if you wish.
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