Derek vs Derek Review: Farmers Clash in Rewilding Rivalry 2026

In the new documentary Derek vs Derek, two farmers named Derek go head to head in a rewilding rivalry that explores environmental damage, agriculture, and the countryside with real bite. This British film is ebulliently accessible yet never tacky, finding a delightfully sneaky way to discuss these issues without being preachy, dry, or patronising.

Derek vs Derek: A Rewilding Rivalry with Real Bite

The film centers on neighbours Derek Gow and Derek Banbury, two men in late middle age in wellies with bellies, whose roughly equal-sized allotments of land (about 120 hectares) abut each other in Devon, near Dartmoor. Twinkly-eyed, West Country-accented Banbury is a regular farmer like many others across the UK, rearing dairy cows and planting crops, and just about getting by as the price of milk is kept incredibly low thanks to his main customers, the supermarkets. His son works beside him and is set to inherit the spread just as Derek did, while Derek’s wife, Linda, supplements their income by running holiday cottages.

Meanwhile, across the road and behind the hedgerows that he insists not be trimmed in order to protect wildlife, Derek Gow is a passionate rewilder. He has transformed his land into a haven for endangered species, reintroducing everything from beavers to water voles. The two Dereks represent opposing views on how to manage the British countryside, and their friendly but firm rivalry forms the heart of the film.

Why This Documentary Works

The trick is to find engaging characters who happen to have opposing points of view. While by the end most viewers would reckon that the pro-environmentalists pretty much win the argument, the conservative element of the farming community gets to have its say and make its case, earning sympathy in the process for a way of life that is itself endangered, albeit partly because of its own self-destructive practices.

Director [Name] balances the perspectives beautifully, allowing both men to articulate their positions without judgement. The result is a nuanced exploration of the tensions between food production and environmental conservation.

Key Takeaways from Derek vs Derek

• Balanced perspective: The film gives equal weight to rewilding advocates and traditional farmers.
• Character-driven: The two Dereks are engaging and relatable, making complex issues accessible.
• Environmental urgency: It highlights the critical state of British wildlife and the need for action.
• Economic realities: It shows the financial pressures facing small farmers.
• Hope for compromise: The film suggests that dialogue and understanding can bridge divides.

Comparing the Two Approaches

To better understand the contrasting philosophies, here’s a comparison of the two Dereks’ approaches to land management:

The Human Cost of Agricultural Change

One of the film’s strengths is its empathy for Banbury’s plight. As supermarkets keep milk prices low, small farmers like him struggle to make ends meet. His way of life, passed down through generations, is under threat. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the fact that some farming practices are environmentally damaging, but it also shows that farmers are often trapped in a system that leaves them little choice.

Gow, on the other hand, represents a hopeful vision of what the countryside could be if we prioritise nature. His rewilding efforts have turned his land into a thriving ecosystem, attracting tourists and researchers. Yet he acknowledges that not all land can be rewilded, and that food production remains essential.

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