Shaping the Land
Immerse Yourself in the Countryside
Begin your visit by stepping into this atmospheric space to experience the sights and sounds of the woods, wildlife and the weather.
A timber wagon stands alone here, reminding us of how trees once dominated the landscape and that clearing them was the first step in creating the English countryside that we know today.
This gallery sets the scene for the rest of the Museum, and shows how the countryside is shaped by nature and by human activity: season after season, year after year.
Explore further
Find out why this gallery is all about trees in this blog written by Guy Baxter, our Director of Archive Services, who curated this gallery.
Lose yourself in the seasons
This gallery features an animation of the changing seasons which is a hit with young and old alike. Watch as our rural scene shifts from the fresh young shoots of Spring through to the snowy solitude of Winter.
You can now watch the animation at home via the new MERL App, which includes an immersive 360 version for a wonderfully relaxing experience.