Children in the MERL garden holding up knitted toys from the Shepherd's Hut

Outdoor learning in Reading

The garden at The Museum of English Rural Life is the perfect space for experiencing the outdoors. It’s just a short walk from central Reading, and accessible from across Berkshire with car parking and bus access.

Discover our range of low-cost, free and flexible outdoor learning opportunities for children: from themed forest school sessions for young people and school groups, to the chance for families to visit the garden, play, and explore at your own pace.

Friday Fledglings

For: Children under 5*

Friday Fledglings is our under 5s outdoor learning session that runs each Friday morning (10am – 11.30am) during the Berkshire school term.

A child plays with leaves in our garden.

The sessions are led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader. The activities are inspired by the themes and collections of the museum. Enjoy nature exploration, a mud kitchen, water play, a sandpit, singing, storytelling, a snack, and more.

Friday Fledglings cost £5 per child. Bookings are flexible and open a week in advance of each session, at 12pm on Fridays.

Find out more about booking Friday Fledglings, or read a Friday Fledglings blogpost by session leader Charlotte.

* We recommend that Fledglings is suitable for children aged 18 months+, but we often welcome children who are even younger. If you have any questions about taking part, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us at merlevents@reading.ac.uk.

Green Explorers

For: Children 5+

Green Explorers is an opportunity for children aged 5+ to experience nature and build outdoor skills. Led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader, each session is themed around the museum collections and the changing seasons.

A family explore a beautiful garden.

Activities include:

  • Shelter building
  • Learning about birds, animals and insects
  • Identifying animals from the clues they leave behind
  • Woodcraft tool use
  • Preparing snacks
  • Craft activities using natural materials from the garden

These sessions allow children and adults to build their confidence, develop positive relationships with the natural world, and grow up willing and able to protect it.

Green Explorers is free thanks to the support of funding from Arts Council England.

Find out more about Green Explorers.

School groups: the Outdoor Schoolroom

Our Outdoor Schoolroom gives school groups the opportunity to explore nature, herbs and plants in our garden.

Through activities such as storytelling, roleplay, crafts, and science activities, children will gain access to exploring the properties and uses of plants within our idyllic urban garden.

Find out more about the Outdoor Schoolroom.

Free visits

Our garden is a safe and natural space for everyone to enjoy. Find out more about planning a family visit to The MERL.