Table 1.
The OPAL national citizen science surveys
| Survey name | Launch date | Aim | Approach | Output examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPAL Soil and Earthworm Survey | 2009 | Which species of earthworm are found in which soil and habitat types | 1. Assessment of site characteristics 2. Assessment of soil properties 3. Earthworm ID |
Hypothesis led and policy links e.g. [71] |
| OPAL Air Survey | 2009 | Bio-indicators assessing local pollution and distribution of lichens and Tar spot on Sycamore | 1. Assessment of site characteristics 2. Assessment of tree characteristics 3. Identification of indicator lichens/fungus |
Hypothesis led e.g. [56] |
| OPAL Water Survey | 2010 | Water quality of ponds | 1. Assessment of site characteristics 2. Assessment of water clarity 3. pH test 4. Identification of indicator invertebrates |
Hypothesis led e.g. [59] |
| OPAL Biodiversity Survey | 2010 | Condition of hedges | 1. Assessment of site and hedge characteristics 2. Assessment of food resources 3. Identification of invertebrates 4. Tracking presence of other species |
Hypothesis led: e.g. [70] |
| OPAL Climate Survey | 2011 | Human activities and climate | 1. Observations of aircraft contrails 2. Measurement of wind speed and direction 3. Thermal comfort |
Validation e.g. [57] |
| OPAL Bugs Count Survey | 2011 | Impact of a changing environment on urban and rural areas | 1. Assessment of site characteristics 2. Assessment of microhabitats 3. Identification of invertebrates |
Distribution monitoring e.g. [60] |
| OPAL Tree Health Survey | 2013 | Condition of trees and the pests and diseases that affect them | 1. Assessment of site characteristics 2. ID of common pests and diseases 3. ID of threatening pests and diseases |
Policy requirement: e.g. Defra strategy [58] |