RAU Environment students take closer look at ancient Roman Villa in recent archaeological site visit

04 May 2018

RAU Environment students have been investigating an archaeological site on a farm close to the RAU.

Very little information is currently available, but students are beginning to form a picture of what is likely to have been a Roman villa. Second year student Gabby Crossey, who was leading first year students in this activity as part of her assessment said ‘It’s great to apply my knowledge of this site in a way that also enables me to test my supervision skills, a key criteria that employers are looking for.’

Service of Thanksgiving for Mike Tucker

05 Apr 2018

Michael Edward George Tucker 30 November 1944 – 28 March 2018

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held to celebrate the life of Mike Tucker at the Parish Church of St John The Baptist, Cirencester, on Tuesday 10 April at 3pm which the family welcomes everyone to attend.

No flowers please. Donations if desired in memory of Mike for Great Western Air Ambulance, Retraining of Racehorses and the MS Society.

Agritech sector Entrepreneurs ‘energised’ by RAU’s first Bootcamp

29 Mar 2018

Eight entrepreneurs gathered to learn and share experiences at the Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) agritech incubation hub, Farm491, for its first bootcamp aimed at generating innovative business ideas for the sector.

Delegates praised the Inspiring AgriTech Innovation (IAI) bootcamp at Farm491’s Trent Lodge site in Cirencester, which allowed them re-evaluate ideas, channel their focus and ambition and make valuable contacts.

Royal Agricultural University pays tribute to Mike Tucker

29 Mar 2018

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is mourning the loss of graduate and former Governor, Mike Tucker, best known for his work as the BBC’s long-serving equestrian commentator.

Professor Joanna Price, Vice-Chancellor of the RAU, said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s death. He was a very distinguished alumnus and the voice of British Equestrianism, as well as being a loyal friend and passionate supporter of the RAU. 

Young biologists inspired by RAU experts’ Conservation masterclass

29 Mar 2018

Biology students from Archway School’s sixth-form in Stroud took part in a Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Masterclass led by our own Dr Ian Grange and Kelly Swallow.

The event began at the RAU’s Environment and Conservation site on the Miserden Estate, where the students were taken on a guided tour of the site.

Dr Grange explained some of the methods of wildlife conservation the RAU is employing and researching to improve biodiversity in rural areas, in particular the Cotswolds.

Amazon works with RAU graduates to bring their quality meat box business to new customers

28 Mar 2018

Two RAU alumni who started a premium online meat box service have moved their business to the next level after linking up with delivery giants Amazon.

James Mansfield and James Flower launched grass-fed meat specialist Field&Flower in 2010 shortly after graduating. The friends have seen order numbers rocket after being part of Amazon’s Treasure Truck campaign.

RAU’s Alex Neason is first winner of groundbreaking bursary for students from non-farming backgrounds

27 Mar 2018

Teenager Alex Neason of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has become the first winner of a prestigious new bursary for students taking farming subjects without a family background in the industry.

The John Innes Foundation (JIF) Bursary will finance one student per year, who is aiming to make a career in primary crop production, rather than follow an academic or scientific research route.

RAU makes shortlist for Guardian University awards 2018

26 Mar 2018

The Royal Agricultural University’s successful young entrepreneurs and dedicated staff have been nominated in this year’s sector-leading Guardian University Awards.

The University is one of three in the running for the prestigious Employability and Entrepreneurship award, thanks to its Enterprise Programme and support for students starting their own businesses.

Innovative New University Partnership for the Rural Sector

22 Mar 2018

Plumpton College and the Royal Agricultural University have announced plans for a new partnership that will enhance university education, research and consultancy for the land-based sector in the South East.

Building on the strong reputation the institutions have in land management, agri-business and wine, a range of courses will be available from this September up to postgraduate level at the Plumpton College campus just outside Brighton, subject to validation.

Lambing weekend 2018 at RAU a success despite the snow

21 Mar 2018

Lambing weekend at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) went ahead despite the icy weather, with several new arrivals contributing to the total of 300 lambs born so far this season.

Over 200 people came to the University’s Harnhill Manor Farm on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March 2018 to find out what goes on during this critical time in the rural calendar.