DISCLAIMER: THIS IS AN ANIMALS OF FARTHING WOOD FAN SITE AND IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH COLIN DANN OR THE BBC ANIMATED SERIES

One baking hot summer's day a thirsty Fox crept through Farthing Wood towards water. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks - the humans had filled in the pond! Fox ran on panting towards the stream, but it had dried to mud.

News spread quickly through Farthing Wood. That night, all the animals gathered in Badger's sett to decide what to do. The field-mice cowered in a corner when Adder slid in, hissing her welcome.    Badger glared at Adder. "This is an emergency and we must stick together. We shall take an Oath of Mutual Protection agreeing not to frighten or eat anyone, and to look after one another whatever happens..."    Badger broke off his speech in alarm - something was coming through the roof! "It's Toad," cried Weasel.    Toad sat up from his fall looking dazed. "Hello, mateys," he croaked. "I've come back from my travels, home to my dear old pond."    "Your pond has been filled in," Badger told him gently. "The humans are building all over Farthing Wood. We must find somewhere new to live."    After a moment, Toad dried his tears and then gave a little hop. "I know - I know somewhere we'd always be safe. It's a Nature Reserve - called White Deer Park."    "White Deer Park!" chorused the animals. "Let's go there! We must set off tonight!"

Fox, the animals' leader, looked across the marsh they had reached. "Rest everyone!" But already the smaller animals were asleep on the grass. They had only travelled out of Farthing Wood, through a building site and over a busy road and the little ones, were already exhausted. How would they ever make the many miles to White Deer Park? "We must go more slowly", decided Fox. "And I wil carry our guide Toad. Where is he?" "He's too tired to get up," reported Owl. Fox went back to collect him, leaving the animals safely by the pool. But suddenly, Kestrel screeched a warning from the sky. "Danger! Danger! Fire !" "Run!" squeaked the terrified rabbits. "No!" barked Badger, scared but brave. "We must wait for Fox to lead us. And where is Mole?" Kestrel swooped down. "Fox is still searching near the fire for Toad. He says to go on. Owl and I will lead you." Mole was still missing. "We'll have to go now without Mole," said Badger sadly, for Mole was his special friend. The animals now moved faster than ever before, feeling the fiery heat behind them. At last there was marsh water between then and the flames. Then Fox appeared with Toad - too hot and dry for a toad's good, but still alive to guide them!