Ground-level neutron monitors (NMs) are essential tools for monitoring space weather events, including the detection and alerting of ground-level enhancement (GLE) events. This study presents findings from a neutron monitoring survey using two compact N50L neutron slab-based subsystems (N50L detectors encased in lead bricks, used as an analogue to a new NM design) deployed across various field sites in the United Kingdom (UK). Data from these N50L neutron slab-based subsystems were compared to readings from established NM-64 monitors with similar geomagnetic cutoff rigidities and accessed via the Neutron Monitor Database (NMDB). Observations showed that the N50L neutron slab-based subsystems’ cosmic ray (CR) count rates corresponded closely with NMDB trends, and count rates varied with altitude, latitude, and environmental factors within meters of the detectors. Key events observed during the campaign include Forbush decreases and GLE-74. The collected data will support the deployment of the new NM-2023 design initiative, specifically targeting the site of the first operational NM-2023 in the UK. Additionally, data from the N50L neutron slab-based subsystems were integrated with the University of Surrey’s Compact NM setup, enhancing GLE monitoring capabilities across UK cutoff rigidity. These preliminary measurements from the 4-NM-2023 prototype suggest it can achieve performance comparable to the 6-NM-64 monitor but with a reduced footprint, volume, mass, and cost, utilizing environmentally friendly, non-toxic gas-filled counters. A full 4-NM-2023 system is planned for deployment at the UK Met Office’s Camborne Observatory, with a 1-NM-2023 unit to be installed at Lancaster University.

Ground level enhancements (GLEs), which occur when high energy solar protons reach Earth, are a considerable space weather hazard for aviation activities. Neutron monitor (NM) observations of these events are the key input to operational models of ionising radiation at aviation altitudes. Similarly, the NM data is key to techniques for deriving anisotropic solar proton spectra during GLEs. A higher density of observations is desirable for both purposes. In this paper, a simple way of improving the density of observations is presented: the compact neutron monitor (CNM). This monitor uses the same detectors as soil moisture sensing networks. Three years of data from the CNM located in Guildford, UK, is shown presented. The solar cycle variation in cosmic rays is observed, alongside 4 Forbush decreases of varying magnitude. No GLEs were observed during this time, due to a lack of any events of sufficient magnitude to be observed. A future CNM station near Lerwick, UK is briefly described in addition to the Guildford station. The implications of the observations to date are discussed in the context of GLE detection. The CNM is complimentary to existing and emerging NM designs, and may be suitable for use as a reference point for the soil moisture monitoring networks. The suitability of the CNM to GLE detection can be extrapolated to the soil moisture networks in the case of large GLEs; in the event of one occurring, the data may provide unprecedented spatial resolution.