River Cottage Forever

It is February at River Cottage, and there is precious little to eat in the pantry. But that does not stop Hugh from building "Chickenopolis." Hugh also navigates the River Brit to the sea, and receives surprising news about his sheep.

Eager to secure fishing rights to the cottage's lake, Hugh makes a wager with his landlord Antony Hichens: If Hugh can prepare a meal of carp that satisfies Antony and his guests, then Hugh shall have fishing rights to the property's lake.

It is late May, and there is bad news all around regarding the livestock, but Hugh's spirits are raised when news of cuttlefish hit his ears. At the Shaftesbury Market, Hugh ends up in a bidding war for a calf and ends up paying too much.

Hugh is determined to successfully harvest his own hay this season. He also clears his polytunnel of peas and beans in preparation for the Bridport Farmers' Market, and receives local assistance to turn his wool into fashionable garments.

Hugh summons experts to help deal with his uncooperative livestock, and soon, he feels confident in entering his saddleback, Delia, into the Okehampton Agricultural Show. Hugh also grapples with a serious aphid problem in the polytunnel.

Hugh enters his healthy vegetables into the Vegetable Challenge Cup, but first, to make some cash, he makes a batch of ice-lollies to sell to people on holiday in Dorset, and also takes Delia truffle hunting with a local mycologist.

One of Hugh's ewes has died, and two of his pigs have a date with the abattoir. However, despite all this, Hugh decides to plant roots at River Cottage, and is inspired to plant an orchard. His chickens are also nice and healthy.

As winter nears, Hugh would like to make some money at the Borough Farmers' Market, where he and Michael wind up making a small fortune. Then, after a day of bass fishing, Hugh attends a Halloween Party and partakes in Pumpkin Fettling.