The Archers - 03/09/2008

Bert goes off to the ploughing match. Ruth tells David that Pip thinks such competitions are bad for the environment, and ploughing's out of date. Minimum-tillage is more fuel efficient and causes less erosion. They agree it's quite hard work living with an eco-warrior. And when Ruth finds a leaflet in Pip's room about a protest camp, it appears their concerns might be well founded. David spots Joe casing Bert's garden, flower and produce show schedule in hand. Joe distracts David; he's heard they're planning to quadruple the size of the anaerobic digester. David says he should come to the meeting to find out the true facts. He says if Joe passes the word around about the meeting he won't let on about Joe spying on Bert. Matt's mother's been traced, but Matt's having trouble finding the words to write to her. Lilian suggests a professional intermediary might be the way forward. The Borchester Land board discuss the sale of the Bridge Farm freehold. Chalkman's against; they should wait until the top of the market and see if there are any further change of use opportunities they could explore. But Annabelle and Matt are in favour. They should cut their losses. A vote is taken. Episode written by Keri Davies.