Online resources

Like what you discovered at our stall? Want to get more involved? Here are a few things you might enjoy:

OPAL – explore nature with the Open Air Laboratories

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is a UK-wide citizen science initiative that allows you to get hands-on with nature, whatever your age or background. The OPAL website is possibly the best place to find resources and ideas for activities. You can dowload ID guides and take part in national surveys, which allow you to get closer to your local environment while collecting important scientific data. OPAL also arranges nature events and workshops around the country.

 

Nature Detectives

Nature Detectives is the Woodland Trust’s website for children and families. There are hundreds of ideas for activities to help kids discover nature and you can download simple ID guides, spotter sheets, and recipes. We particularly like the Nature Detective’s version of “poodunnit” (our most popular game). If you want to get more involved, there’s also an events calendar, school activities, and a blog.

 

Conservation Evidence

If you’re interested in conservation, then you should definitely take a look at Conservation Evidence. You can search for species, habitat or issue of interest to find a plain English summary of the available evidence about different conservation measures and their effectiveness.
You can also download free summaries for a variety of conservation issues.

 

The GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS)

The NNSS website is a great place to start if you want to find out about non-native invasive species. There’s lots of information about threats, sightings, and what you can do to help stop the spread of troublesome invasions. You can search for species, get the latest alerts and advice, or help to record sightings of invasive species in your area.