The Animals of Farthing Wood S01E01 The Wood in Danger
Toad returns home to Farthing Wood after a long and difficult journey. However, the wood is being felled to create a town and he is buried. Meanwhile, other animals discover that Farthing Wood Pond has been filled in, and the only remaining stream is now just a muddy trickle. Fox proposes 'an Assembly', a gathering of all the animals, in the hope that someone may have an idea. Badger arranges the meeting in his glowworm filled set at dusk. Owl at first refuses to go underground, but eventually relents, setting the standard for the other birds. She is followed by the Newts, Kestrel, the Squirrels, the Rabbits, the Mice, the Voles, the Hares, the Pheasants, the Shrews, the Hedgehogs, and finally Fox and Adder (to the dismay of the smaller creatures). Mole arrives late, unaware a meeting has even been called. As the animals discuss the problem, Toad breaks out of the ground and makes his way towards the set, coming through the roof. He tells how he was captured in a jam jar, and has been travelling back to his pond ever since. He is dismayed when Owl tells him that it has been filled in. Fox declares that they have to find a new home, or perish. Toad, luckily, has a suggestion; they head to a place where humans protect animals rather than hunt them, called 'White Deer Park'. Some are skeptical, but with no alternative, Fox agrees this is their best bet. Hare points out that carnivores would be placed near their natural prey, so Badger suggests they take the "Oath of Mutual Protection", that is, no animal will 'terrorise nor consume' another. All animals take the oath, although Adder is less than pleased. Badger nominates Fox as their leader, and Toad as their guide. The animals agree to meet at midnight to begin their great journey.
