I remember seeing the 1st episdoe of this back in early 1993, and sure it had everything you could want from a kids' cartoon; charming animals, drama, moral naturalistic persuasion and heroic triumphs. I think the creators were trying to get kids interested in animals and the environment; back in the day they did a highly informative magazine series based on the show. The 1st series was by all means quite easy, charming and delightful, but the subsequent series were rather sinister; the grim reality of the food chain was enbraced, and there was that unforgivable scene where a baby rabbit is shot dead by a farmer, leaving the parent rabbits in tears (they'd NEVER get away with that on kids' TV now !)I can appreciate this show for its honest and relatively neutral, unbiased portrayal of the ecological system. Unlike Bambi, cute as it is, the food chain and human intervention with nature are portrayed in a neutral way that doesn't specifically make heroes or villains of any particular party. For example, the snake is clearly portrayed as a dominant predator, with a personality of both slyness and integrity. I think this show captures a good balance between the traditional childhood portrayal of animals as cute, whimsical and innocent, and a more realistic portrayal af them as predators, prey, savages and aggressors.I'll give this show 7/10 since it wasn't a favourite a such - that vote goes to Maid Marian & Her Merry Men ! - but still a versatile show capturing nature's beauty, charm, drama, dilemmas, realities and potential demise.

I remembered loving (and being disturbed as well) "The Animals of Farthing Wood" as a kid. At 17, I still love it, it is truly a great show for kids and adults that teaches very good life lessons without preaching. I for one liked the animation style, the look of it reminded me of "Watership Down" which is one of my favourite films. The backgrounds are nice and evergreen, the colours are beautiful and the character features were excellent. The music was amazing, I have always loved the main theme. The characters are endearing and all had unique personalities, particularly Fox, Weasel, Toad and Adder, and the story lines are gripping, intelligent and well done. The voice acting is impressive too, Rupert Farley, Susan Jefferson and Ron Moody all do a stellar job. Is there a drawback? Maybe a small one, the third series wasn't as compelling as the first two series, but it was watchable and ended more than decently. All in all, this is a great show, maybe with one or two minor discrepancies but it is definitely worth the look and I recommend it strongly. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I first watched it when I was 11 or 12 i think. It was really great and something I would definitely watch again. It is a journey that takes you on an emotional roller coaster as you get attached to many of the characters and many die which shows how realistic the survival of wildlife is, that not everyone can survive and each episode be a happy ending... I remember it all so clearly and when I see what my younger brother and sister watch it is complete nonsense in comparison, as there are barely any shows that could be rated as well as A.O.F. The second series is even better with many new characters introduced and it is a show which has humor, love and loss brought into the animal world. It is not a cartoon for children under about 7 or 8 I would say because it can be brutal but I recommend it to everyone else!

"The Animals Of Farthing Wood" is a real classic and wont be forgotten. It's animation is unique and people of all ages can relate to the characters. The program was watched by thousands of youngsters all over the country and everyone of my generation will remember it forever.