Landscapes of Public Health
How does public health impact the design of public spaces? We recap the contents of the 2024 symposium of FOLAR (Friends of the Landscape Archive at Reading), held at The MERL.
Disability History Month 2024: Opening pathways to work
Phillippa Heath, Head of Learning and Engagement, reflects on how we support young disabled people to open pathways to employment.
‘The Final Straw’: Reflecting on the 2024 Farmer Protests
MERL curator Dr Ollie Douglas reflects on the 2024 London farmer protests, and how they speak to his family’s farming history.
Changing Perspectives: Growing Resilience with Alternative Proteins
We interview animal scientist Omolade Awodola-Peters on African livestock agriculture, insect farming, and regenerative methods.
How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse (at The Museum of English Rural Life)
For centuries, tools like billhooks, forks, and saws kept rural people housed and warm. They’re also perfect for the zombie apocalypse.
Upland Commons: A Labour of Love
Learn about England’s upland commons, their significance to culture and environment, and the many people who come together for their care.
Finding Common Ground
Dr Ollie Douglas (MERL Curator) and Samwel Nangiria Taresero (a Maasai community leader) exchange ideas about land use and land management during a visit to the museum.
The Power to Tell It for Ourselves
Acquisition, cataloguing and display are vital matters of consent. Learn how we’re evolving our approach throughout our work.
Cattle, colonialism, and conversations about land
MERL Curator, Dr Ollie Douglas explores connections between The MERL and British agricultural influence in East Africa following a trip to Kenya and Tanzania last year.
Glow Up! St Andrew’s Staircase Hall Redevelopment Project
For the first time in twenty years, St Andrew’s Hall has been presented anew. Visitors – including University staff, students and the general public – can now discover books, archives and artworks from the Museum of English Rural Life’s Library and Archive, Special Collections and University Art Collections.