The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Network has launched the latest of their series of ‘citizen science’ surveys, focusing on biodiversity. Led by The Open University, the survey aims to find out more about wildlife in hedges, by asking people to identify what lives in them and record what they find.

Hedges support many animals by providing them with food and shelter. Berries and seeds are food for birds, while holes beneath the hedge are often home to small mammals. You’ll also discover caterpillars, shieldbugs and many other invertebrates living among the leaves.

The survey is open to anyone and everyone, with a free survey kit available from the OPAL website. The kit contains all the information you need identify the hedge plant species and insects you might find while completing the survey.

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Find out more and download the survey pack here.