Rocky Hollow (aka Deri Deg)

Rocky Hollow is a delightful stop-motion animated children's series that emerged from the lush, storybook landscapes of Wales in the early 1980s. Originally titled Deri Deg in Welsh and first broadcast on S4C in 1983, the series later reached wider audiences with its English-language version, narrated by the warm and familiar voice of Peter Sallis (of Last of the Summer Wine and later Wallace and Gromit fame). This charming five-minute episodic show was produced by the Weston-super-Mare company Bumper Films and animated by Rockscene Ltd., marking the first children's television collaboration between Bumper Films and S4C, a partnership that would later blossom into beloved series like Fireman Sam, Joshua Jones, and Starhill Ponies, after which the company became dormant.

Set in the peaceful forest of Rocky Hollow, the series introduces viewers to a tight-knit community of whimsical woodland characters who live simple, joyful lives away from the hustle of the outside world. The characters each bring a unique personality to the show:

Mr. Oak – The wise elder of Rocky Hollow, easily recognised by his yellow shirt and large brown hat. Known for his calm demeanour and wisdom, Mr. Oak helps guide the other residents and keeps things running smoothly.

Acorn – Mr. Oak’s mischievous young nephew, always seen in a blue singlet and baseball cap. He loves skateboarding, playing pranks, and stirring up fun around Rocky Hollow.

Sycamore – Tall and lanky, Sycamore wears white gym clothes and a long red scarf that he often trips over. Despite his clumsiness, he’s cheerful, helpful, and a loyal friend to both Acorn and Mr. Oak.

Miss Myrtle – A stylish lady with blonde hair and a fondness for purple dresses. She enjoys being well-dressed and takes great pleasure in organizing picnics for the community.

Conker – With his red beard, big red nose, and trusty overalls, Conker is the go-to handyman in Rocky Hollow. He’s always busy fixing clocks, chairs, boxes, and just about anything that needs mending.

Rosie Woodpigeon – A friendly pigeon postie who wears a mail hat and bright yellow gumboots. Rosie delivers letters all across Rocky Hollow and often stops in for a warm cup of tea and a chat.

The characters' antics, whether trying magic tricks, doing daily chores, or planning community picnics, are modest but endearing. Often, their plans go awry in humorous or heartwarming ways, providing soft moral lessons for young viewers.

The show's legacy is especially significant in Wales, where its original run on S4C, voiced by Welsh actor Dillwyn Owen (The Life and Times of David Lloyd George), became a cultural touchstone for Welsh-speaking children of the 1980s. Various magazines featured the series at the time, for example,  Sbec (Welsh for “peek”), a pull-out section of the TV Times in the HTV Wales area. Sbec took its name from S4C’s former ancillary teletext service, Sbectel, further cementing the show's place in Welsh-language media heritage.

Rocky Hollow also featured in a 2018 BBC article titled "Cofio ein hoff gartŵns Cymraeg", which celebrated classic Welsh-language animated series that left a lasting impression on viewers, especially those growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. The article highlighted the enduring appeal of series like Wil Cwac Cwac, Superted, Fireman Sam, Joshua Jones, and Rocky Hollow, noting their unique charm, storytelling, and cultural value for generations of Welsh-speaking children.

In terms of its broadcast history, Rocky Hollow, with its English-language version didn’t debut on CITV until 1989, with regular repeats on Channel 4 continuing until 1996. In Wales, the original Welsh-language version also saw reruns into the early 1990s on S4C.

What sets Rocky Hollow apart is its gentle, almost meditative pacing and the cozy, tactile charm of its stop-motion animation, a signature of Bumper Films’ early work. Though its run was short (25 episodes), Rocky Hollow left a lasting impression and is a testament to the power of quiet storytelling and strong character design.

While modern children's media may favour fast-paced action and digital polish, Rocky Hollow remains a heartwarming relic of a slower, simpler time, perfect for introducing young viewers to storytelling with warmth, character, and an unmistakable sense of place.