Ed observes some poachers but sensibly doesn’t engage with them.

Radio Times: The Grundy boys are on their guard, and Ruth is keeping busy.

Characters: David, Ed, Eddie, Joe, Ruth, William

• Before the new apples are ready, the old press needs a clean, though Joe would let it go. Eddie needs William to help but William is late. Eddie is still bemoaning the Fairbrothers’ Christmas poultry competition and has had another go at selling a turkey to “Squire Rob” but to no avail; Rob accepted the free rabbit though!
• For the first time this week William is not on patrol but Ed is out there watching some poachers with dogs and possibly guns; William is on his way.
• There’s a new-born calf at Brookfield. Ben has decided he would like to come back from Granny Heather’s funeral with Pip and Josh. Ruth is still undecided about whether to speak at the funeral. Meanwhile she must clear the new orthopaedic bed – alone, though it’s hard; in mum’s suitcase is a present for Pip. More tears. More self-recrimination.
• William arrives too late: the poachers have just gone. He and Ed decide to look for them in other likely spots. Meanwhile Eddie is getting impatient: he has gone as far as he can go with cleaning the press without William to help. Joe talks him out of texting William but the two brothers soon arrive. Ed doesn’t know whether they saw him; he might need to make a statement. Will is grateful for his brother’s effort; he is sure that the poachers will be back.