The village of Arncliffe in the Yorkshire Dales has once again been transformed into a postwar English setting as filming for the seventh season of Channel 5's reboot of "All Creatures Great and Small" is underway. The series, which draws inspiration from the beloved books by James Herriot (the pseudonym of veterinarian James Alfred Wight), continues to captivate audiences with its depiction of rural life and veterinary practice.
For many, including the author of these notes, the show's visual landscape—characterized by heather-covered moors, dry-stone walls, and a pastoral mix of livestock—evokes a sense of wildness and romance. The North Yorkshire setting, dotted with remnants of the region's industrial past, served as a significant draw for viewers, many of whom, like the author, developed a passion for animals and the countryside through the program. The series is a significant success for Channel 5, attracting 14 million viewers.
During the filming of the new season, efforts are made to transport Arncliffe back to its postwar era, with the primary visual alteration being the temporary removal of modern street signs. The veterinary surgery, Skeldale House, is filmed at its real-life location in Arncliffe, while its front facade is shot in the nearby village of Grassington. On set, actors are seen rehearsing scenes, with executive producer Sharon Moran overseeing the complex logistics of incorporating animals, vintage vehicles, and remote locations.
The production places a strong emphasis on animal welfare. Unlike in earlier iterations of the series where real animals were used for more graphic scenes, the current production utilizes prosthetic effects for such instances. Animals involved in the show, including various heritage breeds of poultry, donkeys, goats, cows, and sheep, are cared for at a dedicated holding farm and are ensured to live out their natural lives. Animal handler Jill Clark works with a variety of creatures, including dogs, rats, and even a sheep trained to limp for a scene. A team of veterinarians is consistently present on set.
Sets have been meticulously recreated to mirror the original surgery featured in the books and the earlier BBC series, located at 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk, which now operates as the Herriot museum. Inside the production's soundstage, a detailed replica of the surgery includes a kitchen area, medicine bottles, and period-appropriate props. Costumes also reflect the era, with actors seen in checked shirts, tweed, and floral dresses, and even specific knitted tank tops for the character of James, with continuity noted by dedicated viewers.
The series continues to feature key characters and their relationships, with actors portraying Siegfried Farnon and his younger brother Tristan among those working on set. The estate of Mrs. Pumphrey, a character known for her pampered Pekingese, is represented by Broughton Hall, a stately home managed with sustainable practices.
The enduring allure of "All Creatures Great and Small" is attributed partly to its "cosy reassurance in turbulent times," as the current season navigates the aftermath of World War II, touching upon the harsh realities faced by animals and soldiers. The series is set to return this September.