Adam Henson, the beloved host of BBC Countryfile, has opened up about his sadness over the rapid decline of fruit orchards surrounding his family farm in Gloucestershire. Once plentiful across the Cotswolds, these orchards have become increasingly rare, leaving a profound impact on both the landscape and local culture.
In his recent column for Cotswold Life magazine, Adam reflects on the ancient tradition of wassailing—a vibrant winter custom held on Twelfth Night (January 5th). This ceremony, which includes singing, dancing, lighting bonfires, and drinking farmhouse cider, is designed to bless the trees and encourage a bountiful harvest. Originating from pagan rites, wassailing remains a cherished practice that fosters community spirit despite the shrinking number of orchards.
Adam wrote, “It’s heartbreaking that so many orchards have been lost in recent decades, but it’s encouraging to see a renewed interest in wassailing. Gatherings now take place all over the region.” His heartfelt words echo the broader concerns raised by the Gloucestershire Orchard Trust, which highlights that changes in agricultural practices and consumer habits have led to a staggering loss of over 70% of traditional orchards in the past half-century.
READ MORE: Boy, Five, Faces Stage 4 Liver Cancer Diagnosis Just Before Christmas
READ MORE: Countryfile Host John Craven Announces Record-Breaking Calendar Fundraiser
The Trust emphasizes that these orchards hold significant ecological, genetic, and cultural value, representing an irreplaceable part of Gloucestershire’s landscape heritage. Beyond their fruit production, these environments support diverse wildlife and maintain the county’s rural character.
Adam has also spoken at length about the importance of veteran trees in nurturing biodiversity. Contrary to common misconceptions, he explains that aging trees riddled with holes and cavities are vital ecosystems. They provide shelter and sustenance for a wide array of species including fungi, insects, birds such as woodpeckers and owls, mammals like bats and dormice, and even amphibians like great crested newts.
Through his reflections, Adam not only mourns the loss of these orchards and ancient trees but also champions the need to preserve and celebrate them for future generations. His connection to the land and its traditions underscores the profound bond between nature, heritage, and community in the Cotswolds.