Museums And Archives

Safeguarding Brook Rural Museum: Protecting our rural heritage and building a sustainable future

The Wye Rural Museum Trust (WRMT) is responsible for the care and management of Brook Rural Museum, a significant historic farm complex comprising a Grade I listed medieval barn, a Grade II listed oast house and associated farm buildings and courtyard. The site lies on naturally wet ground, with a watercourse running beneath the courtyard, making it increasingly vulnerable to climate change, heavier rainfall, rising groundwater and hotter summers. Project aims are to: • safeguard the museum’s buildings and collections by addressing the underlying causes of water ingress, damp and pest activity, protecting them from climate change. • deepen public understanding through interpretation, a new public programme, shelter and facilities. • improve access, inclusion and participation through ramps, better paths, work experience and volunteering • Create new income streams by converting an open cart shed into 4 studios and a horsebox into a mobile café. The legacy will be a resilient, financially sustainable museum.