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Sustainable Travel Policy
The department has introduced a sustainable travel policy that helps staff to reduce unnecessary travel and seek low-carbon alternatives where travel is unavoidable. This policy does not cover commuting.
Read the Department Sustainable Travel Policy
Getting to MSSL
Here at MSSL, we are lucky to be tucked amongst the beautiful countryside of Surrey, however, this can make it a bit more challenging to reach our site without using a personal car or taxi. We've gathered a range of options to help make coming to MSSL less carbon-intensive. Read our Alternative Travel Guide for more details, maps, and routes to MSSL.
MSSL's Alternative Travel Guide
By public transport
You can now reach MSSL via the Surrey Connect Bus. This on-demand service operates minibuses within certain areas from 7 am to 7pm (weekdays) and 8 am to 6pm (Saturdays). Fares start from just £2 for a short (under 5 miles) trip. You can book a bus 7 days in advance, up to half an hour before you wish to travel.
If you live outside the service area, you can take a bus to Cranleigh, Ewhurst or, Holmbury, or catch a train to Dorking, and then use Surrey Connect to take you the last few miles to MSSL.
We have several train stations within 15 miles of MSSL. The most useful are listed below:
| Station | Distance from MSSL | Direct trains to |
|---|---|---|
| Gomshall | ~ 5 miles | Reigate, Dorking, Guildford, Reading |
| Ockley | ~ 6 miles | London, Horsham |
| Dorking | ~ 8 miles | London, Horsham |
| Guildford | ~ 12 miles | London, Reading, Portsmouth Harbour |
| Horsham | ~ 13 miles | London, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth |
By bicycle
You can cycle to MSSL via the routes marked out in our guide. We have included a mix of routes; some with less traffic and others which are faster but use main roads.
If you are cycling, please make sure you:
- Follow the Highway Code rules.
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing.
- Make sure you have bright, working front and backlights.
- Cycle at least 1m from the side of the road: you will be clearly in the driver’s field of view and you will avoid most potholes.
- Indicate clearly when turning.
- Avoid going alongside large vehicles at junctions, regardless of what the cycle lanes may indicate.
- Be aware of what is going on around you and don't automatically assume that if you have priority, it is safe to proceed
Need a bike?
The Green Impact team has launched an MSSL Bike Loan Scheme to make it easier for PhD students and staff to get to MSSL by bike. The scheme offers a folding bike at a low-cost rental rate. Speak to the MSSL main office for more details if you're interested in the scheme.
Staff can also purchase a bike at a discount through UCL’s cycle scheme.
By foot
Holmbury St. Mary is just over 1 mile away along a minor road and is therefore it's easy to get to and from MSSL by foot.
To get between Ewhurst and MSSL, the road is unsafe for walking. However, there are a few different walking routes available, with the simplest taking around 40 minutes (see our Alternative Travel Guide for maps). Be aware that you will need sturdy and waterproof footwear in winter.
Car share
To make the most of the individual car journeys to and from MSSL, we have set up a car-sharing initiative. This allows staff and students to share journeys to reduce the number of solo car trips. Staff and students can find out more details on our internal pages.