CPRE exhibition marks 100 years of countryside protection

“Voices of the Countryside – 100 Years of the Campaign to Protect Rural England” is a new exhibition at the Museum of English Rural Life, from 14 Feb to 24 May 2026.

To mark our centenary year, a new exhibition at The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) in Reading, celebrates 100 years of CPRE, and the charity’s pivotal role in shaping and protecting England’s countryside. Voices of the Countryside: 100 Years of the Campaign to Protect Rural England explores CPRE’s remarkable history since its foundation in 1926, showing how the charity has held policymakers to account, protected rural landscapes and campaigned for a countryside for all.

The exhibition highlights CPRE’s major achievements over the past century, including the creation of England’s national parks and Green Belts, campaigns to limit light pollution and litter, regulation of housing development, and advocacy for local food production. CPRE Berkshire has played a key role in putting together this exhibition and the role of our branch – which was one of the first CPRE branches to be formed – is highlighted in the displays.

Dr Ollie Douglas, Curator of MERL Collections, said: “This exhibition tells the story of one of the most influential conservation charities in England’s history. For 100 years, CPRE has been at the forefront of protecting our countryside, from creating the national parks we still treasure today to fighting for dark skies and green spaces. We’re proud to celebrate their centenary and show how grassroots campaigning has shaped the rural landscapes we all enjoy.”

The exhibition is on display in the museum’s Staircase Hall, where visitors can discover how CPRE has transformed the protection of England’s rural landscapes through determined campaigning and advocacy. Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive of CPRE, said: “For 100 years, CPRE has stood up for the countryside and this exhibition is a reminder that when the countryside is under threat, people step up defend it. The next chapter of countryside protection will demand collaboration, courage and imagination. If the last 100 years have taught us anything, it’s that when people come together around a shared love of the countryside, lasting change is possible.”

Alongside Voices of the Countryside, MERL is also launching Radical Rural, a trail through the museum’s galleries highlighting additional movements, artists and writers who champion rural England’s people and places. Both the exhibition and trail run until 24 May 2026.

For more information go to: 100 Years of CPRE – The MERL