open air laboratories
About OPAL
Wildlife presenter Steve Leonard talks about OPAL and how it will help
The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is an exciting initiative that is open to anyone with an interest in nature.
We aim to create and inspire a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment. In 2007 OPAL received a grant of £11.75million from the Big Lottery Fund.
How are we doing this?
OPAL is developing a wide range of local and national programmes to encourage people from all backgrounds to get back in touch with nature. The project will also generate valuable scientific data concerning the state of our environment.
By bringing scientists, amateur-experts, local interest groups and the public closer together, lasting relationships will be formed and environmental issues of local and global relevance explored.
The OPAL project
OPAL began in 2007 and will run until the end of 2012. The five year programme will bring scientists and the public closer together, allowing environmental issues to be explored which have both local and global relevance.
A total of 15 partners are working together to deliver a total of 31 projects. The entire OPAL portfolio is headed by Imperial College, London.
OPAL is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and accredited by LWEC (Living with Environmental Change).
For more videos of OPAL activities and events see our YouTube channel.
Water survey - join in now
How healthy is your local lake or pond? Identify the invertebrates that live there to find out.
Climate survey - take part today
Learn more about weather and climate with a few simple experiments.
Join in the OPAL air survey
Investigate lichens on trees and find out about local air pollution.
Take part in Bugs Count
Find as many bugs as you can in 15 minutes and tell us what you find.
Join in the OPAL earthworm survey
Look for earthworms and help scientists with valuable research.
Take part in an OPAL event near you
From pond-dipping and bat walks to training courses and surveys, find out about local activities and events.