Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has shared uplifting news from his Cotswold Farm Park, following a challenging spell for the farming community. The 60-year-old, well-known for his work on the BBC’s rural affairs programme, revealed that the arrival of new lambs has brought a much-needed boost to his farm this spring.
Speaking about the seasonal excitement, Adam explained, “We open the Cotswold Farm Park in mid-February because that’s when we welcome the first new arrivals of the year.” The farm’s live lambing demonstrations remain a hit with visitors, particularly families, making it an ideal destination over the Easter holiday. “The birth of new little lives, both lambs and goat kids, continues to captivate audiences in the Animal Barn throughout Easter,” he added.
Located on the expansive 650-hectare Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire, Cotswold Farm Park is home to over 50 flocks and herds of rare breed animals. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences in the animal barn, relax at the Ox Shed café, and explore the picturesque surroundings.
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Reflecting on recent hardships, Adam expressed gratitude for the farm’s resilience amid an early Easter season and acknowledged the broader struggles faced by the hospitality industry since the pandemic. Open about the financial pressures in modern farming, he shared, “We won’t make money from the farming side,” highlighting the difficulties in arable farming after last year’s “horrible spring.” He noted, “The crops aren’t going to yield, and prices are low for the grain we are likely to sell, making the margins very tight.”
Adam took over the tenancy of Cotswold Farm Park from his father, Joe Henson, in 1999. Joe pioneered farm tourism in the UK by opening the farm to visitors in 1971, an aspect that continues to provide crucial financial support today.
Despite the tough economic outlook for farming, Adam remains deeply committed to maintaining a wildlife-friendly farm environment. Highlighting the importance of conservation, he remarked, “Since the 1970s, the British Isles have lost more than 70 million wild birds, including a 60% decline in farmland bird populations.” He believes nature-friendly farming practices play a vital role in reversing this trend.
On his own farm, Adam observes a variety of thriving bird species—lapwing, redwing, fieldfare, golden plover, yellowhammer, corn bunting, and skylark—species that signify a healthy and biodiverse environment. “These birds,” he said with a smile, “are the stars of the dawn chorus, and their presence shows that nature-friendly farming is making a difference.”