The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is an exciting new initiative that is open to anyone with an interest in nature. The aim is 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 is this being done?

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.

Partners

For a full list of partners and links to more information on the projects they are running - click here

What is happening?

The best place to look is the OPAL network website www.opalexplorenature.org

Currently there are two countrywide surveys being done to check air pollution. One is identifying tar sports on sycamore tree leaves, the other is a survey of lichens. There are a variety of other surveys underway including one on earthworms.

Where does the Quekett fit in!

One of the partners is the Natural History Museum and we are joining in their initiatives to promote local groups and societies to develop an interest in nature within our communities. The project will bring amateur natural history societies together in a countrywide network. The project will help in providing expertise and funding.

We have many members who are active in the natural history field – from identifying species in ponds; to studying lichen; to identifying butterflies; to fungal forays. In many of these activities a microscope is an invaluable accessory. We will be taking initiatives to make the expertise of our club members available to a wide audience and encourage as many people as possible to develop their interest in nature by looking at microorganisms and the microstructures in nature. With digital camera systems and modern microscopes it is easy to record finds and take part in the survey work.