Steve Leonard Launches OPAL © Natural History Museum
The OPAL (Open Air Laboratory) project to encourage nature lovers of the future to explore the wildlife that surrounds them was launched at the Natural History Museum on Tuesday 25 November 2008.
An £11.7 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund will keep the project running until 2008 and TV nature presenter Steve Leonard attended the project launch.
“OPAL is a great way for people to find out more about the wildlife that exists right on their doorstep. By getting involved in these fun and free activities, people can help uncover new insights into the environment where they live,” Steve said.
OPAL will give people the tools and support to identify, monitor and record plants and wildlife in their local area.
Dr. Linda Davies, OPAL Director, Imperial College London, said, “OPAL will encourage more people to spend time outside exploring, studying and enjoying their local environments.
"There is so much to discover and together we hope to gain a much greater understanding of the world around us, and how to protect it, particularly the most disadvantaged parts of England."
Exploring the Wildlife Garden © Natural History Museum
Margaret Cooney, Deputy Director Policy & Partnerships, Big Lottery Fund, added: "The Big Lottery Fund is pleased to fund this programme which encourages experts and communities to work alongside each other to help address the environmental challenges we face today.
“By bringing these two parties together, OPAL will promote a greater awareness of the environmental issues which affect us all.”
The OPAL projects are open to anyone and the investigations will look at air, soil, water, biodiversity and climate.
To find out more about the project please vist the OPAL website at www.OPALexplorenature.org. There will be a series of events taking place in Plymouth, York and London on December 6 and 7.
