Countryfile star Adam Henson has clarified the timeline for his departure from his farm and the BBC show, after previously describing leaving the Cotswold Farm Park as the 'end of an era'. In a recent interview, the 60-year-old host stated he still has at least a decade remaining on his farm tenancy, ensuring he won't be stepping away any time soon.
Family Business Continues
Henson, who took over the farm from his father Joe in 1971, emphasized the ongoing success of the Cotswold Farm Park. Speaking to Cotswold Life, he said: 'We're still a family-run rural business and a large local employer, with 180 people on the books, all of whom are central to the success of the business. My mantra has always been to surround myself with people who can do the job better than I can.'
Passion for Countryfile
Regarding his role on the BBC show, Henson expressed his continued enjoyment: 'I still enjoy being part of Countryfile, doing the farming slot most weeks. I go all over the country behind the scenes on some fascinating farms and talking to really interesting people, picking up ideas I can bring back and share – and I still work as a farmer, which means I can speak to other farmers in a knowledgeable way.'
Weather Preferences
Henson also shared his hopes for the weather, noting: 'We don't want a heatwave like last year nor a wet year like 2024. We need enough rain to make the grass grow but plenty of sunshine for our visitors.'
Future Plans
Earlier, Henson told the Daily Express that he and his wife Charlie were planning to downsize. He explained: '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. 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. 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. It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside.'
Support System
In a separate interview, Henson spoke about his support network: 'My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have an incredibly supportive family, wife, and children, and people around me. I have had some very difficult times in my life, both in business and personally. My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents dying, and I lost a nephew. We have gone through foot and mouth challenges, Covid, and we have had some tough times, but I've never had poor mental health because I've had that fantastic support system around me.'
Countryfile airs tonight (June 14) at 6.15pm on BBC One.
