To mark the official UK-wide launch of the Big Lottery funded OPAL project this year, the OPAL team (Open Air Laboratories) have revised and updated their national surveys for people to use in all corners of the UK. To view and download the new surveys right now visit www.opalexplorenature.org/surveys

People of all ages can now contribute to scientific research in their local area on everything from invasive species to environmental quality.

The programme, led by Imperial College London, has been inspiring communities in England to discover, enjoy and protect their local environment since 2007. Last year the scheme started work with Scottish school pupils, teachers, community groups, colleges and universities. The project and its partners have now engaged with more than 850,000 people submitting more than 50,000 records about their local environments.

OPAL Director Dr David Slawson said: “We are very pleased to be able to roll out OPAL in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Not only are people learning more about their environment, but this valuable data is helping scientists learn a great deal about biodiversity in our country, especially in areas they would never normally be able to study, such as back gardens. We hope many more people will join in, explore nature and contribute to our knowledge of the environment across the whole of the UK.”

A number of local events are being held to mark OPAL’s expansion across the UK, where people have been getting hands-on with nature and getting a taste of the surveys. People can find out about other OPAL events in their area at http://www.opalexplorenature.org/OPALActivities