Our MSSL Site
The Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) is near Dorking and sits within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, so we try to make the most of this designated green space.
Growing at MSSL
Since "breaking ground" in June 2021, the MSSL allotments have been actively tended by an enthusiastic group of staff. Some of the produce that has been harvested includes potatoes, raspberries and radishes.
In 2022, we sowed a "River of Wildflowers" allowing a range of native flowers to bloom on site. This array looked fantastic and provided an important source of food for pollinators.
MSSL's Wildlife
Wildlife sightings are a common occurrence for those based at MSSL. We are spoilt with regular visits from roe deer, birds of prey, and amphibians. As well as being a great habitat for many fauna, we have a wide array of beautiful wildflowers and trees.
To get more people involved, we've got a biodiversity board to record sightings and guides to help novice spotters.
Dekens field
Our "Wild Space @ Mullard Space" team have been working on a project to turn MSSL's ~9 ha Dekens field into a meadow rich in herbs and wildflowers, plus an orchard, woodland and wetland: a "Nature Area", with nature-based teaching and conservation activities for UCL staff and students.
In 2023 with the help of a local farmer a circular path was rolled and mown to make it easier for people to access the field. We call the path the Coronation Walk and within the circle the field is being maintained for wildflowers by regular mowing every autumn.
In December 2024, in collaboration with Holmbury House Social Club and Wild Space @ Mullard Space, MSSL's new orchard of 20 fruit trees was planted at the top of the field as well as some young oak trees to provide succession to the existing mature oaks.
Wild Space projects recognised by Sustainable UCL
Sustainable UCL have showcased how staff and volunteers at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) improved biodiversity across 15,000 m² of fields and trees.
MSSL Self-Guided Walk
We highly recommend exploring all that the MSSL site has to offer, so we've created this self-guided walk to ensure you don't miss the best parts.
Length: Approx. 45 minutes
Accessibility: This route involves steps and uneven terrain.