- Open Air Laboratories Network (OPAL)
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The Open Air Laboratories Network (OPAL) is a partnership initiative throughout England that aims to get the public more involved with nature through a range of local and national projects. The initiative is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund Changing Spaces Programme.
The portfolio of partners includes nine regional universities, the Natural History Museum, the Open University, the Field Studies Council, the Meteorological Office, the National Biodiversity Network, the Royal Parks and the Environment Agency. The lead partner is Imperial College, London.
From 2009-2011, OPAL will be conducting six national surveys on soil, water quality, air quality, climate, biodiversity and invertebrates. By involving the public in scientific research, the hope is to collect a vast amount of data that can be used to build up a picture of England's natural environment. Additionally, it hopes to inspire the public into becoming more involved in nature.
Contents
Soil and earthworm survey
The OPAL soil and earthworm survey launched in March 2009 by the OPAL Soil Centre at Imperial College London. It has been supported by a number of celebrities including Steve Leonard and Chris Packham. The survey aims to learn more about soil and earthworm distribution in England and the effects that humans are having on soil quality. People are asked to upload their findings directly onto the OPAL website. Survey results will be analysed by the OPAL Soil Centre at Imperial College London who are also coordinating the survey.
Air survey
The OPAL air survey launched in September 2009 and is being coordinated by Imperial College London. The survey asks people to look for lichens on trees and tar spot fungus on sycamore leaves and then record their results online. It is hoped the large scale survey will help scientists learn more about the effects of air pollution. the survey is being supported by a number of organisations including the British Lichen Society.
Water survey
The OPAL water survey launched in May 2010 and is being coordinated by University College London (UCL). The survey asks people to go pond-dipping and identify the invertebrates living in their local pond or lake. Using this information they can then find out how polluted the water is, as some creatures are more tolearnt of pollution than others. Results are collected online and will help scientists learn more about lakes and ponds across England.
Biodiversity survey
The OPAL biodiversity survey launched in September 2010 and is being coordinated by the Open University (OU). The survey asks the public to investigate their hedges and look for invertebrates and other signs of wildlife. Hedges are incresdibly important habitats for many creatures and the survey hopes to raise awareness and learn more about life in hedges across the country.
Climate survey
The OPAL climate survey launched in March 2011 and is being coordinated by the Met Office. It asks people to look for contrails in the sky, estimate their thermal comfort, and measure wind using bubbles.
The results will help us learn more about the ways we affect our climate, and how we may adapt to it.
Bugs Count
Bugs Count is the 6th OPAL survey and will launch in June 2011. It aims to collect data on bugs and other invertebrates that live all around us.
Projects and partners
OPAL comprises a total of 31 projects. These projects are listed below, together with the institution (OPAL partner) responsible for the project's delivery.
1. OPAL North West - University of Central Lancashire
2. OPAL North East - University of Newcastle
3. OPAL York and Humber - University of York
4. OPAL East Midlands - University of Nottingham
5. OPAL West Midlands - University of Birmingham
6. OPAL East of England - University of Hertfordshire
7. OPAL London - Imperial College London
8. OPAL South East - Imperial College London
9. OPAL South West - University of Plymouth
10. OPAL Air Quality Centre - Imperial College London
11. OPAL Aquatic Bio-monitoring Programme - University College London
12. OPAL Water Centre - University College London
13. OPAL Soil Centre - Imperial College London
14. Climate Change Education Centre - Met Office
15. OPAL Climate Change Research Centre - Imperial College London
16. Parks - Royal Parks
17. OPAL Learning Packs - Field Studies Council
18. Infrastructure for Data Exchange - National Biodiversity Network Trust
19. OPAL Communications Office - Natural History Museum
20. OPAL Portal - Natural History Museum
21. OPAL Exhibitions and Community Led Celebrations - Natural History Museum
22. Bio-buses Community Outreach Vehicles and support materials - Natural History Museum
23. Bio-diversity Observatory: Co-ordination and Outreach - Open University
24. Biodiversity Observatory: Software and Accessibility Design and Implementation - Open University
25. OPAL Bayesian Keys - Open University
26. Mentoring and Online Support for Biodiversity - Open University
27. Online Community Building for the Biodiversity Observatory - Open University
28. Neighbourhood Nature Educational Course - Open University
29. Supporting and Enabling Amateur Natural History Societies - Natural History Museum
30. The Naming of Things - The OPAL Taxonomic Support Programme - Natural History Museum
31. State of the Environment Report - Imperial College London
External links
Categories:- Science and technology in the United Kingdom
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