Ep 4. Wilding

In the penultimate episode of the first season of "Clarkson's Farm," Jeremy Clarkson - the man who once knew nothing about farming - continues to work hard to run his Diddly Squat Farm effectively. Episode 4 is called Wilding, and it focuses on the natural world at the farm, and how everything in the fragile ecosystem is connected.

Jeremy learns about the importance of hedgerows, and how vital they are for many species of animals. Throughout this episode, he works to maintain the hedgerows on his farm, cutting away the higher branches with a pole saw. At the same time, he discovers that the hedgehog population - a key predator of pests - is thriving in the undergrowth.

Elsewhere on the farm, Jeremy tries to work out how to protect his growing crops from an infestation of pigeons. He starts with a simple scarecrow - an effigy of a scarecrow with his head on it - but finds that it isn't enough to keep the birds away. So instead, he turns to a more technologically advanced solution, using a drone to scare them off. Later in the episode, Jeremy also comes up with an idea to use good old-fashioned science to deter pigeons from pecking at his cabbages: he hangs old CDs from the branches of apple trees to reflect the sunlight and scare the birds away.

One of the main focuses of this episode is the farm's wildflower meadow, which is being managed to encourage more biodiversity. Jeremy explains how the flowers attract pollinating bees, which in turn helps to increase the yield from the fruit trees. He learns about managing the meadow to maximize the impact of the flowers, and how important it is not to cut it too early in the season.

Throughout the episode, Jeremy is supported by his team, who help him navigate specific challenges on the farm. As normal, his partner Lisa Hogan is his closest confidant, and the episode includes some precious moments between the two of them.

Overall, episode 4 of "Clarkson's Farm" is a moving testament to the importance of preserving natural ecosystems, and how everything on a farm is interconnected. It shows Jeremy's deepening knowledge and appreciation of the delicate balance on his farm. With his usual self-deprecating humor, he navigates the challenges of protecting his crops from pests, while learning about the vital role that nature plays in farming. The episode also gives viewers a glimpse of the stunning beauty of the English countryside and its abundant wildlife - a heartwarming reminder of the magic that can happen when man and nature work together.