OPAL is an England-wide partnership that aims to create a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to explore, enjoy & protect their local environment. Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, OPAL is delivering regional & national projects to inspire outdoor exploration, connect people from all backgrounds with environmental organisations, create citizen science tools, & generate valuable scientific data. Through the OPAL National Surveys families, schools & communities can help scientists monitor the state of England's environment. Seven surveys have been developed to explore the health of our trees, the quality of our air, water & soil, & the distribution of invertebrates. OPAL East Midlands covers the counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire. By creating free resources & activities we aim to raise awareness of lowland heathlands, one of Britain's rarest & most threatened habitats. www.opalexplorenature.org/EastMidlands