Adam Henson, a familiar face on British television and a passionate farmer, has opened up about his future beyond his broadcasting career. Having joined Countryfile in 2001 following a national talent search, Adam’s role on the show has become a staple for viewers. Yet, the 60-year-old is realistic about the possibility of his TV career coming to an end and has outlined how farming will remain at the heart of his life.
Alongside his work on Countryfile, Adam has presented shows like Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen with Nigel Slater and appeared on BBC One’s Inside Out. He is also a regular voice on BBC Radio 4’s On Your Farm and Farming Today. Despite his success in media, Adam’s primary identity remains that of a farmer.
Adam operates Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire, home to the popular Cotswold Farm Park tourist attraction, which draws over 70,000 visitors each year. He and his business partner Duncan took over the tenancy from Adam’s father in 1998. Though busy in broadcasting, Adam stresses that farming is his true passion.
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Speaking on the Talking Farming podcast, he reflected, “I love being a farmer. Even if television were to ‘drop me in the bin,’ our tourist enterprise and connection with the public would continue. Farming is part of who I am.”
Looking ahead, Adam acknowledges that farming may play a smaller role in his life once his tenancy ends in 12 years. He and his wife Charlie currently live on their 650-hectare farm but plan to downsize. With none of their children interested in farming—his daughter is an events organiser in Perth, and his son works as a financial advisor in Leeds—they plan to move to a bungalow nearby in Winchcombe, maintaining a small flock of sheep and keeping dogs.
He told the Daily Express, “While I was eager to follow my father onto the farm, my children have chosen different paths. When our tenancy ends, Charlie and I will move closer to town but still enjoy the countryside.”
Despite this change, Adam remains deeply connected to the Cotswolds landscape, often marveling at the area’s beauty. On the podcast, he shared, “The rolling hills, frosty mornings, and mist rising from the valleys—it’s simply stunning. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe I’m lucky enough to live here.”
Fans can look forward to seeing Adam again on Countryfile, where he will introduce a rare-breed pig at his farm in the upcoming episode airing at 5.15pm.