Farmers across the country have endured an exceptionally harsh summer, and Adam Henson is no exception. The Countryfile presenter co-owns and manages the Cotswold Farm Park near Guiting Power in Gloucestershire, which operates as both a visitor attraction and a working farm.
In a recent video posted on the Cotswold Farm Park YouTube channel, Henson candidly described the challenging conditions this season’s harvest has presented, while also expressing concern over the increasing threat of wildfires in the region.
Wildfires have erupted in various parts of the UK, including the Cotswolds. Although his own farm has so far been spared, Henson admitted the situation is “pretty scary.”
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He commented: “Goodness me, look at the dust. It shows how dry it is. It’s quite a fire risk as well. We have to be very careful with overheating engines and any sparks. Thankfully, so far on this farm, we’ve been okay. But I know others in the region have experienced fires, which is definitely alarming, especially with these high temperatures.”
The Cotswolds and much of central and southern England have gone without significant rainfall for between five and seven weeks. Coupled with frequent temperatures exceeding 30°C, these conditions have created an environment highly susceptible to wildfires.
Taking viewers on a tour of the farm, Henson illustrated the severity of the harvest impacted by the weather. “It’s been absolutely bone dry for over a month,” he explained. “Our lambs will need to be fed hard food, and we’ll need to bring in silage because the grass has just turned brown. There’s very little for them to graze on.”
He continued, “We have many livestock on the farm. While visitors come to see our collection of rare farm animals, we also run a significant arable operation where we grow crops.”
Henson noted the early onset of the harvest as well, saying, “The weather has been baking hot, as it has been for much of the UK, and we’ve started our harvest two or three weeks earlier than usual. Last year, the drought brought an early harvest, but this year has begun even sooner. We’d typically start harvesting wheat in August, but with these high temperatures and our thin, stony soil, the yields aren’t looking good.”
Founded in 1971 by Adam’s father Joe Henson, who was known for presenting shows like BBC’s Animal Magic, Cotswold Farm Park has been under Adam’s stewardship since 1999. The park features over 50 flocks and herds of rare-breed farm animals, indoor and outdoor play areas, a restaurant, and hosts seasonal events.