Adam Henson, the familiar face of Countryfile, has opened up about a significant change on the horizon—stepping away from the family farm in the Cotswolds, an event he calls “the end of an era.”
Carrying forward the legacy started by his father, Joe, who took over the farm in 1971, Adam has balanced his life between television commitments and managing the land. However, with his children pursuing careers outside agriculture, the future of the farm under the Henson name looks uncertain.
As Adam shared with the Daily Express, “My dad was ahead of his time by opening a farm for people to come and visit, bottle-feed a lamb or hold a chick.” Despite growing up immersed in that environment, Adam notes that his own children are choosing different paths—his daughter works as an events organiser in Perth, and his son is a financial advisor in Leeds. While both are capable of farm tasks, their interests lie elsewhere.
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Looking ahead, Adam and his wife, Charlie, plan to move into a nearby bungalow in Winchcombe once their tenancy ends in 12 years. They intend to keep a few sheep and their dogs, allowing them to remain connected to rural life. “It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside,” he explained.
Beyond the change in farming life, Adam also spoke candidly about the personal and professional challenges faced over the years. He acknowledged the mental health struggles common in farming communities but credits his strong support system with helping him navigate difficult times.
“My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents passed away, and I lost a nephew. We’ve faced foot and mouth disease, Covid, and many tough challenges, but I’ve never experienced poor mental health because I’ve had fantastic support around me,” he revealed.
Adam emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with trusted, capable people in the business, including a long-time business partner and a dedicated team, which has been vital to his resilience.
While this marks a significant transition for Adam and Charlie, their enduring connection to the countryside remains strong, reflecting a lifelong passion for farming and rural community.