13/06/2025

Helen asks Tom if he can look after the boys next Friday – Dane’s asked her to go to a comedy club with him. Tom promises to ask Natasha. Helen says she’ll ask their parents instead – it’s a perfect opportunity for her to tell them about Dane. Later she comments to Tom that her parents didn’t seem to want to know about Dane. Tom reckons this might be down to him. He’d made a comment to their mum and dad about helicopter parenting and they’re obviously trying not to overstep the mark. Helen says lightly there might be a middle way.
Kirsty updates Phoebe on progress with the beavers, which are due to arrive in the autumn. Justin joins them as Kirsty explains that they’ll no longer need an enclosure for the release. Justin hopes the installation of one will keep local farmers onside. He goes on to extoll the benefits of the scheme before realising he’s doing what Lilian calls ‘Justinsplaining’. Admiring the call of a yellowhammer, he declares he owes a lot to inspirational Peggy. Phoebe’s speechless. Amused Kirsty acknowledges the sea change in Justin’s attitude. She admits to feeling a lot more settled these days, both at Willow Farm and with her job. Justin’s brought a real entrepreneurial spirit to the rewilding project. Phoebe could never have imagined he’d become so hands on, and also speak in praise of Peggy, who was always a bit suspicious of him. Kirsty agrees it’s quite a turnaround; she can’t help wondering what he’s going to pull out of the bag next.