  Precise in-situ measurements of the neutron flux in underground laboratories
is crucial for direct dark matter searches, as neutron induced backgrounds can
mimic the typical dark matter signal. The development of a novel neutron
spectroscopy technique using Spherical Proportional Counters is investigated.
The detector is operated with nitrogen and is sensitive to both fast and
thermal neutrons through the $^{14}$N(n, $\alpha$)$^{11}$B and $^{14}$N(n,
p)$^{14}$C reactions. This method holds potential to be a safe, inexpensive,
effective, and reliable alternative to $^3$He-based detectors. Measurements of
fast and thermal neutrons from an Am-Be source with a Spherical Proportional
Counter operated at pressures up to 2 bar at Birmingham are discussed.
