The OPAL project launches its third national survey this May, and this time scientists are asking people all over England to explore what lives in lakes and ponds. The OPAL Water Survey requires participants to identify commonly
found animals which scientists are using as bio-indicators. By checking whether their local water-body or garden pond is in good condition, people will help scientists and conservationists working to protect freshwater wildlife.
We know that ponds and lakes are important havens for wildlife, but many are badly affected by pollution. The survey team are particularly interested in finding out more about small and urban ponds, many of which have not been investigated before.
Dr. Neil Rose, OPAL Water Centre, University College London (UCL), said, “England has thousands of lakes and ponds which play a vital role in protecting our freshwater wildlife. Although we know a lot about some of our larger, more famous, lakes there are huge gaps in our knowledge about the vast numbers of smaller waters dotted all over the landscape. We need to know where the best sites are so we can protect them properly; and who knows what we might find once people start to take a closer look?”
Anyone can take part in the OPAL Water Survey with an identification guide and workbook that can be downloaded for free from the OPAL website. The survey has been developed by scientists from UCL in partnership with Pond Conservation and Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, and is funded by OPAL’s grant from the Big Lottery Fund of £11.75m. The survey team hope to create a legacy of knowledge and interest in aquatic monitoring which will feed into new campaigns being developed by Pond Conservation in 2011.
For more information or to download a pack visit the OPAL website
Written by Laura Stowe – OPAL Communications Officer