BBC Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson has shared his deep sadness over the rapid decline of orchards surrounding his family farm in the Cotswolds. Highlighting a cherished local tradition, Adam reflects on the ancient custom of wassailing — a lively Twelfth Night celebration involving singing, dancing, and cider-drinking to bless fruit trees and encourage a fruitful harvest.
In his column for Cotswold Life magazine, Adam recalls the rich history of wassailing in Gloucestershire. “Once, the county was dotted with countless orchards, making it a perfect place for this winter ritual,” he writes. “Though the number of orchards has drastically fallen, it’s heartening to see wassailing continuing to bring communities together, chasing away evil spirits and welcoming the new year with joy.”
The decline of orchards is a growing concern for Adam and the local conservation groups. The Gloucestershire Orchard Trust warns that changing consumer habits and agricultural practices have caused the loss of over 70% of traditional orchards in the past five decades. These orchards, they stress, are invaluable for their ecological, genetic, heritage, and landscape significance.
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Adam has long emphasized the crucial role trees play in biodiversity. On the BBC Countryfile website, he explained how veteran trees — old trees rich with cavities and decaying wood — serve as vital habitats for a wide range of wildlife. “Though they may appear battered, these trees support insects, birds like woodpeckers and owls, mammals including bats and dormice, and even amphibians such as great crested newts,” he notes. “Protecting these trees and orchards is essential for maintaining the natural heritage of the Cotswolds and beyond.”
Amidst the losses, Adam’s message is clear: while the landscape is changing, the spirit of tradition and nature’s resilience lives on, inspiring renewed efforts to celebrate and conserve Gloucestershire’s orchards and their wildlife.