Tales from River Cottage

This is the story that details Hugh's three years as a smallholder in Dorset.

Episodes

Each episode has its own detail page.

Episode 12006-05-25

Getting Started

Hugh looks back on his early days at river cottage offering advice to other as to how to start their own adventures into small holding.

Episode 22006-06-01

A Garden of Delights

From putting in his first organic veg beds, running the gauntlet of pests, to harvesting bumper crops from his polytunnel. He also offer tips on how to triumph at the local Horticultural show.

Episode 32006-06-08

Joy of Pigs

Hugh reminisces about his adventures with his pigs - from buying his first pig to training his breeding sow to hunt for truffles.

Episode 42006-06-15

Friends and Neighbours

Good friends and helpful neighbours are an essential part of the rural idyll. Hugh recalls his initiation into the rural Dorset community.

Episode 52006-06-22

Business and Barter

Hugh believes that to achieve a thoroughly good living, you need to be ready to barter and heckle. He charts the rise of his own little enterprise, from the local farmers market to the tough streets of London.

Episode 62006-06-29

Chicken and Eggs

The difference between a vegetable garden and a smallholding is livestock, and every smallholder needs chickens. Hugh recalls his poultry learning curve.

Episode 72006-07-06