OPAL

⇳ Description OPAL helps people to explore, study and enjoy their local environment. Discover our surveys and regional activities. ➠ Purpose [[Has project purpose::According to OPAL:Public Engagement in Research Scientists are working with local people to carry out a major study of the outdoor environments where they live and work. The basic concept is to take experts into the heart of the community to explore and investigate the natural world together, exchanging knowledge, experience and skills whilst learning more about local wildlife and their habitats under changing environmental conditions. Participants can contribute information about their local area through a series of national surveys. Research topics focus on degradation, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

OPAL's five key objectives

• to get more people outside observing and recording the world around them
• to develop an innovative educational programme to provide the tools and support needed for biological recording
• to inspire a new generation of environmentalists
• to support and encourage collaboration between the voluntary, statutory and community sectors;
• to gain a greater understanding of the state of the environment, thus contributing to research and policy development.]]