TH

The Archers

BBC Radio 4

16/06/2026

Jun 16, 202612 min
Summary

In this episode of The Archers, the peaceful routine of life at Brookfield is shattered by a devastating tragedy. While the initial conversation hints at personal tensions and family complexities, the tone shifts abruptly when David and Pip Archer discover a horrific dog attack on their sheep. The aftermath is catastrophic, leaving fifteen animals dead and several others severely injured. The episode focuses on the immediate, frantic response to the crisis as Alistair the vet arrives to treat the survivors while a rural crime officer gathers forensic evidence. Throughout the harrowing ordeal, the narrative underscores the profound emotional toll that such incidents take on farmers who have dedicated their lives to their livestock. The tragedy also sparks a sharp confrontation between David and Brian Aldridge regarding the management of the land and the responsibilities of both the landowner and the tenant regarding public access and signage. As the investigation begins, the episode serves as a sobering look at the brutal impact of irresponsible dog ownership and the enduring stress facing those working in the rural community.

Updated Jul 6, 2026

About This Episode

David and Pip make an extremely shocking discovery out in the fields and which includes some very graphic descriptions.

Brian, Alistair and Jolene muse on Jim’s possible whereabouts on his travels. Alistair’s missing him and will let them know when the first of Jim’s postcards arrives. Brian wishes he could still go on holiday with Miranda. He sees himself as the victim in all Home Farm’s current travails.

Whilst checking on their sheep at Home Farm, David and Pip make a terrible discovery: the sheep have been attacked by a dog, with up to fifteen dead and many injured. David’s extremely upset but Pip helps him focus on calling Alistair, while she calls the emergency services, with the dog still nearby. Alistair then gets David’s call and Brian sets off after him. PC Nicola Trueman establishes the facts with David, but thinks they’ve probably missed their chance to catch the dog. Alistair gets to work on treating the surviving ewes and lambs, with shocked David’s help, while Nicola and Pip take footage in the field. They both despair at how frequently this kind of incident happens, despite signs all over the countryside. Nicola outlines the investigation procedure then recalls meeting Brian, Home Farm’s owner, recently. Meanwhile, David angrily casts aspersions on dog owners while Alistair saves one ewe at least. Brian is full of righteous indignation when he arrives, before David takes him to task in front of Nicola and Pip for not managing his land properly. David demands compensation, before accusing Brian of being unfit to be in charge of a farm!

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