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Exhibition - 14 Feb to 24 May

Voices of the Countryside

Discover 100 years of the Campaign to Protect Rural England

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Explore the past and present of the English countryside, and the people whose lives and work define it.

About The MERL

Getting here

6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
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Opening hours

Full opening hours

Upcoming Events

MERL Curator Ollie Douglas standing in front of the Welcome Case at The MERL
Talks and Seminars

Gallery Tour: Women and Dairying

Join us on a tour of the MERL galleries to discuss the theme of women and dairying in our Collections.

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Dates

Tuesday 3 March 2026, 13:00 – 14:00

Author

Adults

Price

Free, booking suggested

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Talks and Seminars

Conversations with a Curator: Steve Marshall

Join us for a free online talk with Steve Marshall on Edward Bawden (1903-1989) and Farmed Landscapes.

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Dates

Thursday 2 April 2026, 19:30 – 20:30

Author

Public

Price

Free, please book

Location
Online
Talks and Seminars

Conversations with a Curator: Dr Rhi Smith

Join us for a free online talk with Dr Rhi Smith on Women Artists and the Reading School of Art in the early 20th century.

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Dates

Thursday 5 March 2026, 19:30 – 20:30

Author

Public

Price

Free, please book

Location
Online
All events and exhibitions

Latest News and Views

Exterior of E.M. Barraud's cottage in Cambridgeshire
Author
lottiewood
/
Published Date
February 19, 2026

“I am the farm worker going home at evening”: gender fluidity, rural landscapes, and the Women’s Land Army

Library trainee Lottie Wood reflects on gender fluidity in the work of E. M. Barraud, and Barraud’s reflections on her time in the Women’s Land Army

"Cluttered Countryside." A pastiche of different technologies and activities that disrupt the English countryside - from cars, to petrol stations, to tourism.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 13, 2026

Voices of the Countryside

Explore our new exhibition celebrating 100 years of CPRE, whose vital work protects and maintains rural English spaces.

The MERL building, as viewed from the garden.
Author
Ollie Douglas
/
Published Date
January 5, 2026

What’s coming up in 2026

This year we’re celebrating the organisations, artists and activists who defend the voices and soul of rural England.

Hedgehog extravaganza
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
July 24, 2025

The Friday Walks, with Man in the Woods

In this episode of The MERL podcast, we speak to Bristol-based artist Scott about his artistic practice documenting weird Britain.

School group in the garden
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
July 21, 2025

Another brilliant school year

Learn about the highlights of our schools and learning programmes from the 2024/25 academic year.

Jo Clement (a woman with long brown hair and glasses) holds an object at The MERL
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
April 4, 2025

Announcing our new Fellow, Dr Jo Clement

Read how our new MERL Fellow, Dr Jo Clement, is engaging with the Robert Dawson Romany Collection to explore the heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in England.

All news and views

Discover upcoming events

What’s On

See what’s coming up at The MERL, with events and exhibitions for all ages and interests.

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Radical Rural

This year we’re celebrating the people and movements that protect the landscapes of the English countryside.