Ep 1. Episode 1

"Escape to River Cottage" is a show about one man's journey to leave his city life behind and start a new chapter in the countryside. Season 1, Episode 1, follows Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall as he moves from London to River Cottage, a smallholding in Dorset, England.

Hugh has always had a passion for food and sustainability, and he's decided to put those passions to the test by living off the land and starting his own self-sufficient dream. In this first episode, we see Hugh arrive at River Cottage with no idea of what he's getting himself into. He's optimistic, though, and excited to start his new life.

The show takes us through the highs and lows of Hugh's journey. We see him get to grips with the basics of gardening and animal husbandry, and his initial enthusiasm quickly turns to frustration as he realizes just how much work farming can be. At times, it looks like everything is going wrong – the pigs escape, the rabbits dig up his carefully laid rows of vegetables, and the chickens refuse to lay any eggs.

Despite all of this, we also see the beauty of River Cottage. Hugh is surrounded by stunning countryside, and he soon learns that his new life brings real rewards. He spends his days doing physical work outdoors, he learns new culinary skills, and he even becomes closer to his dog, who accompanies him on most of his chores.

Throughout the episode, we see hints of the lifestyle Hugh is trying to achieve. There are scenes of him cooking delicious-looking meals using ingredients he's grown himself, and we see him sitting down to eat with friends and family in the beautiful surroundings of River Cottage. Although he's far from achieving his dream, it's clear that Hugh has high hopes for the future.

Another key element of the show is its focus on sustainability. Hugh is dedicated to living off the land and creating a sustainable lifestyle. We see him using organic and sustainable farming methods, and he's constantly looking for ways to reduce waste and reuse materials. He's also passionate about promoting local food and supporting small businesses, and we see him visiting local markets and meeting other smallholders in the area.

Overall, "Escape to River Cottage" is an inspiring show that will make you want to pack up your city life and head for the countryside. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a charming and engaging host, and his passion for sustainable living is infectious. The first episode is a great introduction to his journey, showing both the challenges and the rewards of starting a new life in a rural setting.