Countryfile Spring Diaries

Jules Hudson is just up the road in Herefordshire with his dog Teddy to sniff out the spring dangers lurking outdoors and in homes which could harm pets. From bluebells to daffodils, reptiles like the adder on the loose and Alabama rot, which can carry a death sentence to dogs from just a roll in the mud, vet Charlotte Watkins warns of the perils and how to avoid them. Paul Martin is at smallholding school in Somerset with two wannabees looking to live the good life. They've already got chickens and will soon be welcoming pigs, but along with Sally Morgan, who runs courses for smallholders, Paul wants Tom and Faith to be braced for the ups and downs. Sally has some hot tips about what to grow to break into burgeoning markets, plus plenty of tips on squabbling hens, rooting pigs and planting, and as Paul knows from having his own smallholding for nearly ten years, it can be a wonderful life-enhancing experience.