Farmer Adam Henson joined BBC Countryfile in 2001 following a nationwide presenter search, but now says he has a plan for when his television work ends
Adam Henson has made plans away from television for when his career is “dropped in the bin”. The 60-year-old was unveiled as a presenter on Countryfile in 2001 following a nationwide talent search.
Since then he has also hosted shows such as Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen with Nigel Slater and appeared on BBC One’s Inside Out. He has also regularly appeared on Radio 4 shows such as On Your Farm and Farming Today.
Away from television Adam runs Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire. The site also doubles-up as Cotswold Farm Park, a visitor attraction that welcomes more than 70,000 people each year.
Adam and his business partner Duncan took over the lease of the farm in 1998 from Adam’s father Joe. And while his TV work continues to flourish, Adam says farming will always be part of his identity.
Speaking on the Talking Farming podcast, he said: “I love being a farmer. I think that day that telly drop me in the bin and I stop doing that, we’ve still got our tourist enterprise and we’re still connecting with the consumer and with the general public. Farmer will always be on my passport.”
Adam has previously revealed he has considered quitting his farm when his tenancy expires. He currently lives on the expansive 650-hectare plot with his wife Charlie.
However he says he is considering retiring to a bungalow when he’s older, with both of his children having opted to follow a path away from farming. Speaking to the Daily Express, he said: “While I was pulling on my wellies and chasing my dad out of the door to join him on the farm, my own children aren’t interested in a career in farming.”
He acknowledged his children’s capabilities but noted their different professional directions: “Sure, they can lamb a sheep and drive a tractor, but my daughter lives in Perth as an events organiser and my son is a financial advisor in Leeds.”
Looking ahead, he shared their future plans: “So when the tenancy runs out in 12 years’ time, Charlie and I are moving to a bungalow close by in Winchcombe, where we have a few acres and will keep a few sheep and the dogs.”
Adam however says it will be nice to continue living in the countryside. He added: “It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside.”
He went on to explain that he sometimes has to “pinch” himself when looking around the Cotswolds. On the Talking Farming podcast, he added: “It is really gorgeous.
“These sort of rolling Cotswolds hills, particularly on a morning when it’s crisp and clear and frosty and the mist is rising up from the valleys. It is absolutely gorgeous. I sometimes have to pinch myself and think how lucky I am living here.”
Adam will be returning to television screens with Countryfile from 5.15pm today. He will be welcoming a new rare-breed pigto his farm.
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