Gloucestershire Live readers have passionately shared their views on Countryfile and its presenter, Adam Henson, following his recent remarks about the direction of the BBC programme. Many long for a stronger focus on authentic farming practices, while others recognize the show’s evolution to appeal to a wider audience.
Adam Henson, who has been part of Countryfile for nearly 25 years, also manages Bemborough Farm near Guiting Power. The farm, also known as Cotswolds Park Farm, attracts around 180,000 visitors annually. Founded by Adam’s father Joe in 1971, the farm was taken over by Adam and his business partner Duncan Andrews in 1999.
Despite his deep farming experience, Adam acknowledges that he often simplifies his presentations on Countryfile to make them accessible, a move that sometimes leaves longtime viewers feeling disconnected. He has spoken openly about these compromises amid concerns that some viewers may be losing interest.
On Gloucestershire Live’s Facebook page, feedback ranged from frustration to nostalgic disappointment. Ceri Roberts pointed out, “We are farmers – my husband calls it Townyfile,” highlighting a perception that the show caters more to city dwellers than farmers. Richard Holland compared it to other programming, saying, “Clarkson did more in a couple of seasons to explain the trials and tribulations of farming than Countryfile has ever done and with humour.”
Deborah Brooks likened the tone to the children’s programme Watch with Mother, and Jayne Dow expressed that she misses the core farming content: “Having been brought up on a farm, this programme misses the point entirely now.”
Others echoed the sentiment that the show is overly simplified. Jane Dainton Quinn criticized the “dumbing down,” calling it the reason she stopped watching and recommending a broader depiction of rural life including market towns, rural policing, and volunteer rescues.
Jeremy Childs bluntly stated, “It’s a TV farming program for Townies,” while Sandy Gurden called for honest portrayals of the realities and hardships of farming, not a “Disney version.”
Some viewers were puzzled by recent segments focusing on mental health and cruelty concerns, feeling the show is drifting away from the countryside stories they once loved. June Wagg remarked she appreciated hearing about Adam Henson’s farming experiences and wanted more of that content.
Likewise, Alan Ford and Emma Jayne compared Countryfile to other farming shows, noting that while it once catered to farmers, it now functions as a general countryside programme. Emma pointed out that Adam’s segments have never been fully “nitty-gritty” farming and suggested alternatives for viewers seeking authentic farming stories, such as Our Yorkshire Farm and Clarkson’s Farm.
As Countryfile continues to balance educational content and entertainment for a mass audience, the debate over its approach to rural storytelling remains heated. Viewers continue to share their perspectives, hoping for a revival of the genuine farming coverage they cherish.