Boosting biodiversity at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory

Hear how staff and volunteers at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) have improved biodiversity across 15,000 m² of fields and trees.

Image: Volunteers planting fruit trees in the orchard.

Staff and volunteers at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) have improved biodiversity across 15,000m² of fields and trees. Through projects like a wildlife pond, orchard planting and wildflower meadows, the Wild Space Team and partners have boosted local biodiversity, proving that small actions can create big impact.

From forgotten field to thriving habitat

In 2019, Alice Breeveld walked into Dekens Field at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory and realised she was no longer aware of grazing animals there. What she did notice, however, was an abundance of grasshoppers, butterflies, bees and several bird species. This prompted her to speak with the departmental manager about the potential for the space. Their shared enthusiasm led them to consult the Surrey Wildlife Trust, which provided guidance on how the field could be enhanced as a natural habitat.

Forming the ‘Wild Space at Mullard Space’ Team

The foundation of MSSL’s biodiversity initiatives stemmed from UCL’s Green Impact programme, where campaigns such as UCL’s Wild Bloomsbury offered inspiration for innovative projects. When Alice discovered her colleagues Duncan Rust and Berend Winter were as enthusiastic about Dekens Field as she was, they together formed the Wild Space Team, to manage and improve Dekens Field. The idea quickly gained momentum with more colleagues joining, forming the Wild Space Team, a team dedicated to managing and improving Dekens Field.

One of the Wild Space Team’s first actions was to rethink mowing practices. This had an immediate effect on more diverse flower pollinators. After consulting a local farmer, they decided to flatten part of the field and create a path, which is now maintained by the gardener. The farmer continues to return each autumn to assist with mowing and field management. At its peak, the field supported 51 species of wildflowers, creating a vibrant habitat for pollinators.

As the project grew, the Wild Space Team became a more structured team, bringing together UCL staff and volunteers. Recently, Sustainable UCL employed an ecologist to assess the biodiversity of the field and surrounding areas. The findings confirmed an improvement across over 15,000m² and a new orchard of 625 m².

Creating a wildlife pond

Another initiative was the conversion of an old ornamental pond into a wildlife pond. Initially designed as a decorative feature, the pond had little ecological value. By working with the on-site gardener, the team adapted it into a space that could support aquatic life. The results were immediate and within months, toads and newts had taken up residence, turning the pond into an important habitat.

The wildlife pond has since become a focal point for biodiversity, providing a water source for birds, insects, and small mammals. The presence of amphibians highlights the pond’s success, as these species are often indicators of a healthy ecosystem.

Planting an orchard

A significant project was the planting of an orchard, consisting of 20 fruit trees, including apples, pears, cherries and plums provided by Surrey County Council. To protect the young trees from deer, the team applied for funding from Surrey Hills National Landscape, to install fencing.

On the planting day, volunteers from across UCL, including friends and family came together, marking out positions and clearing grass in preparation for the trees. Despite the damp and overcast weather, the planting was a success, with participants ensuring each tree was carefully placed and supported by protective fencing.

Volunteers now take turns watering the trees during the warmer months, anticipating the first homegrown fruit harvest at MSSL.

Collaboration across groups

The success of the project can largely be attributed to the collaboration between different groups:

• MSSL's Holmbury House Social Club played a crucial role in engaging the community and encouraging participation in the orchard project.
• The department’s Green Impact team ran events such as the wildflower seed sowing and worked with the gardener to allow grass to grow longer and phase out the use of compost containing peat
• UCL’s Wild Bloomsbury campaign provided inspiration and ideas that fed into Green Impact’s biodiversity initiatives.
• The Wild Space  Team continued to focus on the enhancement of Dekens Field, ensuring the space remains a valuable resource for wildlife and the UCL community.
• Surrey County Council and Surrey Hills National Landscape provided essential support, including orchard trees and funding for deer fencing.

Future plans for Dekens Field

Looking ahead, the Wild Space Team is considering several new projects to enhance the field further:

• Installing habitat features such as refuges for snakes and other small creatures.
• Placing a bench at the end of the field to encourage people to spend more time in nature.
• Introducing fencing to allow for the return of grazing animals, which could help maintain the biodiversity of the meadow.
• Developing the marshy section of the field, potentially by creating a small dam to support wetland wildlife.

A model for grassroots biodiversity action

What makes this initiative stand out is its grassroots approach. None of the key organisers are ecologists, yet through enthusiasm and collaboration, they have transformed Dekens Field into a thriving habitat. Their efforts have directly supported UCL’s Wild Bloomsbury campaign and UCL’s goal of expanding and improving campus biodiversity. The Wild Space team has shown how academic and research spaces can become rich ecosystems, benefiting wildlife, while also creating opportunities for people to connect with nature.

 

 

Interested in taking your projects outside?

Dekens Field could be used for individual or small group student projects in biosciences, ecology, environmental science, geography or associated subjects. Module leaders are welcome to get in touch with Alice Breeveld if they are interested.

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