MSSL backs biodiversity - by protecting ancient woodland

Michael Smith Switchgear protects biodiversity - through ownership of 17 acres of ancient woodland in Leicestershire.

For several years, the woodland, near Desford, has been a cornerstone of MSSL’s wider environmental initiatives.

The carbon offsetting value alone supported MSSL as it achieved carbon neutral status with Carbon Neutral Britain back in 2022.

But it is also home to foxes, badgers, deer, nesting buzzards, and a diverse range of birds.

Ancient woodland provides a variety of sustainability benefits. By securing and saving habitat for wildlife, they safeguard threatened species and maintain local biodiversity.

The sites also serve as powerful carbon sinks, mitigating climate change through natural carbon capture in both soils and mature trees.

MSSL’s woodland sits alongside a host of other sustainability initiatives which have helped the company move seven years ahead of the Make UK’s Net Zero roadmap, earning a string of sustainability awards in the process.

Emily Smith, Financial and Operations Director, said: “Our ancient woodland is a living monument to MSSL’s commitment to cutting carbon and supporting nature. 

“By protecting the woodland from development, we’re preserving a space that benefits both the local community and generations to come.

“We’re proud of our manufacturing achievements, but also of the wider sustainable impact our company’s growth is creating for future generations.”

The woodland plays a critical role in our sustainability efforts as a carbon-neutral low voltage switchgear manufacturer. 

The site is frequently visited to preserve the space and keep it free from litter. Emily once collected a jelly babies wrapper dated July 1988, a potent reminder of how long litter persists in nature and the importance of care and ownership.

Michael Smith Switchgear sustainability

Sustainability is at the forefront of all MSSL operations. Alongside protecting and managing the woodland, other initiatives include:

• Energy efficient LED lighting installed throughout the factory in Leicester
• Sustainable packaging replacing traditional alternatives
• 284 solar panels fitted producing 102kW of electricity
• Electric vans purchased and onsite EV chargers installed
• Design measures to dramatically reduce copper and plastics in LV switchgear assemblies.

In 2025, MSSL received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. The award recognises the positive impact of the company’s business practices and contribution to the environment and local community.

Carbon Neutral Britain is the UK’s leading carbon offsetting initiative - with projects offsetting more than 3 million tonnes of CO₂e.