Adam Henson, the 59-year-old BBC Countryfile presenter and farmer, has revealed a significant challenge he’s facing on a new 40-hectare plot of land he recently bought, separate from his family’s longstanding Cotswolds farm. This update comes as he and his wife, Charlie, prepare to leave the 650-hectare farm that his father, Joe Henson, began running in 1971 – marking what Adam calls “the end of an era.”
Adam’s children have chosen different career paths, with his daughter living in Perth as an events organiser and his son working as a financial advisor in Leeds. Neither plans to continue the family farming tradition, leading Adam and Charlie to plan a move to a nearby bungalow once their current tenancy expires.
Reflecting on his father’s pioneering approach, Adam shared, “My dad was ahead of his time by opening the farm to visitors where they could bottle-feed lambs or hold chicks. While I spent my childhood pulling on my wellies and chasing my dad to join him on the farm, my children’s interests lie elsewhere.”
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In Countryfile Magazine, Adam detailed his new land, which features a patchwork of habitats and several ancient “veteran” trees, some dating back hundreds of years. Although captivated by the site’s natural beauty, he admitted managing it presents an “agricultural challenge.” To help, he brought in Jo Leigh from The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group for expert guidance.
Initially, Adam introduced sheep to the area, but they struggled with thick brambles, which led to tangled sheep. Following advice from Jo, he shifted to grazing cattle, a method that promises multiple benefits. Adam explained, “Using cattle will help the animals, encourage insect life, and ultimately boost biodiversity. It’s a way to turn back the clock to when livestock grazed more freely, supporting woodland pastures like these ancient tree groves.”
He concluded with enthusiasm: “Those veteran trees will be the crowning glory of my classic wood pasture project, and I can’t wait to get started.”