Oh that's cute!
I used to watch it when I was small, I agree it was a bit dark for children. And I actually recently read the book for the first time, it was enjoyable enough but clearly aimed for a young audience. I personally prefer Watership Down, Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (and the wonderful animated movie by Don Bluth!) and The Wind in the Willows as far as animal stories go, I think those have better storylines and more depth to them so that adults can enjoy them too. But the Farthing Wood would make a perfect bedtime story if I had children!