Underground Farming Deep Beneath Boulby Mine: A New Approach to UK Food Security

Researchers from the University of Sheffield, in partnership with the socially-conscious producer Farm Urban, have established the world’s deepest underground farm more than 1,000 metres below ground in the Boulby mine, North Yorkshire. The site, a working polyhalite mine that also hosts the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Boulby Underground Laboratory, houses vertical growing towers where pak choi and lettuce are harvested. A small team of 20-25 people conducts a 12-month trial to determine whether uniform, marketable crops can be produced reliably in this controlled environment.

The Guardian

The project is framed as a response to the looming food-security challenge highlighted by extreme weather that has already damaged surface crops. Researchers cite the need to double global food production by 2050 to feed a growing population. By repurposing thousands of redundant UK mines, the initiative aims to lower the high energy costs of conventional vertical farms, create new jobs in economically deprived regions, and improve access to fresh produce.

The Guardian

Project leader Jacob Nickles emphasizes that the underground operation is intended to complement, not replace, traditional agriculture, noting that technical and engineering hurdles remain but that early results are promising enough to consider expanding trials to samphire and tomatoes. Lab engagement officer Jonny Gutteridge highlights the broader socio-economic benefits, arguing that hosting large-scale scientific facilities such as the proposed XLZD dark-matter detector would bring significant investment, skills development, and industry partnerships to the North East.

The Guardian

Stage one of the laboratory’s expansion will add a new cavern that increases usable space five-fold, with construction slated for completion in 2030. A decision on whether Boulby will host the XLZD liquid-xenon observatory is expected next year, a move that could further boost the region’s scientific and economic profile.

The Guardian

• “We need to double food production by 2050 to support the world’s population,” — Jacob Nickles, a University of Sheffield research fellow and one of the project’s leaders

The Guardian

• “We’re not here to replace conventional farming,” — Jacob Nickles, a University of Sheffield research fellow and one of the project’s leaders

The Guardian

• “We are in a hole in North Yorkshire,” — Jonny Gutteridge

The Guardian

• “We would love to host XLZD,” — Jonny Gutteridge

The Guardian