Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers different perspectives on our complex relationships with people and place. Some events will be accompanied by opportunities to engage with collections from the MERL.

Tuesday 25 September
Dr Ollie Douglas - Folklore and the MERL: All Folk and No Lore?

Tuesday 2 October
Nicola Chester and Robert McDowall - Cobbett in Conversation: From Rural Rides to Nature Writing

Tuesday 9 October
Arnhel de Serra in conversation with Bee Farrell - Laughter comes when we get caught off guard: The Country Show photographic project

Tuesday 16 October
Catherine Morland and Amanda Couch - Wheat and Rush, Weave and Ritual

Tuesday 30 October
Dr Stuart Dunn - In the Churchway Paths to Glide: Corpse Roads and Their Folklore

Tuesday 13 November
Adam Lines - The Lake District: Wordsworth’s Legacy