Scientists ask public to delve into their ponds

UCL scientists are researching the quality of England's lakes and ponds and asking everyone to get involved in a project led by UCL's OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) Water Centre. The project, led by Environmental Change Research Centre within UCL Geography, aims to assess existing research which suggests that many ponds and lakes are either damaged by pollution or neglected, making these important habitats one of the most threatened in our landscape. However, currently, the true extent of this damage is unknown. The research also highlights the need to assess the quality of these important habitats, so that the best ones can be protected and the polluted ones can be improved. To address the task, the OPAL Water Centre team are asking people all over the country to take part in the OPAL Water Survey this summer. The survey asks people to look for commonly found animals, such as dragonfly larvae and water beetles, which can indicate the health of the habitat. Participants are also asked to take water clarity and pH measurements (which determine the acidity of water) before uploading their findings online.