aims
Introducing OPAL Yorkshire and Humber
Hello!
As this is my first blog post, I thought it best to start with introductions. I'm Sarah, the Community Scientist for OPAL Yorkshire and Humber, which means it's my job to link together scientists and the public.
This is a photo of the team. Left to right we have:
Piran White, who supervises Sal (far right) on her PhD
Carolyn Snell, who leads the project with Mike Ashmore (who isn't pictured - somehow he always manages to avoid photos!)
Steve Cinderby, who is our mapping expert
Me, Sarah West, Community Scientist for the region, sporting some lovely pink wellies
Sal, who is doing her PhD on OPAL, pictured here with her dog Spider.
This photo was taken at an event at Chapmans Pond. This free fishing lake is in Dringhouses, York, and is run by the Friends of Chapmans Pond. We had an open day in August with pond-dipping, minibeast hunting, face-painting, dragonfly hat making (courtesy of BTCV - see their website at www2.btcv.org.uk/display/yorkyouth) and composting advice from the wonderful York Rotters (www.stnicksfields.org.uk/york-rotters.php.) It was such a success that we plan to make it an annual event!
There will be lots of OPAL activites happening across the region as the weather warms up, so keep an eye on our regional website www.sei.se/opal for details!
- OPAL Yorkshire and the Humber
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OPAL objectives
1. A change of lifestyle - a purpose to spend time outside observing and recording the world around us
OPAL aims to get over one million people more aware of the open spaces and conservation sites around them and more knowledgable about the contribution individuals can make to protect them.
2. An exciting and innovative educational programme that can be accessed and enjoyed by all ages and abilities
Through new approaches to learning, people will gain the opportunity to become active participants with the knowledge and confidence to debate environmental issues.
3. A new generation of environmentalists
OPAL aims to increase active membership of amateur natural history societies, many drawn from under-represented sections of society.
4. A much greater understanding of the state of the natural environment
OPAL wants to ensure everybody can participate in projects to monitor the state of the natural environment and its biodiversity. We aim to help some of the most disadvantaged communities to identify, quantify and highlight environmentally deprived spaces.
5. Stronger partnerships between the community, voluntary and statutory sectors
Scientists at nine regional universities, with the help of specialist national centres, will build connections with those who have an aspiration or need to improve local environments. The portfolio aims to engage with over 500,000 people to encourage a greater sense of ownership of their local environment.