<P> The series stars David Jason as Toad and the Chief Weasel, the late Michael Hordern as Badger, the late Peter Sallis as Rat (replacing Ian Carmichael who voiced Rat in the original 1983 film, though Carmichael remained in the series, having been re-cast as the narrator), and the late Richard Pearson as Mole . The Chief Weasel was almost always accompanied by his bumbling henchman, who was referred to in two separate episodes, "The Rescue" and "The Paperchase", as Bert . </P> <P> The series is sometimes misidentified as being filmed in claymation . The method used by Cosgrove Hall is a stop - motion animation process using scale model sets and posable character figurines . The figurines are composed of an articulate metal skeleton (armature) covered in latex rubber, providing the flexibility and the detail which distinguishes the series . </P> <P> The series is set at "The Riverbank", a mythical location somewhere in Berkshire . The Riverbank is where Ratty, Mole and Toad live . Nearby is the Wild Wood, where Badger and the Wily Weasels live . Each episode has a unique story line, although there are some common themes running throughout the series . In series 4, the humans start building a new railway that is planned to be built through the area where the animals live . The show teaches children about the destruction of forests and animals' natural habits . The railway gets closer and closer to the animals' homes, yet in the episode Happy New Year it turns out that the railway would be travelling under unsuitable land, and therefore the route is diverted from the Riverbank & Wild Wood areas . </P> <P> The popular theme song - based on the instrumental theme to the original film - was sung by British singer - songwriter Ralph McTell . The Stone Roses guitarist John Squire also worked on this series, but as a prop maker not a musician . </P>

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