Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has spoken of his devastation following the death of his father Joe, eight months ago, describing him as his "rock, mentor, hero". In a new book, Henson pays tribute to the man who taught him "virtually all I know about farming and television".
Joe Henson was a television veteran long before Adam joined him on the BBC rural affairs show, having appeared on programmes such as Animal Magic and In the Country. According to Adam, his father was a natural storyteller with impeccable timing, and remained his biggest supporter, always calling after broadcasts to offer praise or gentle advice.
Beyond television, Joe was a pioneer in rare breed conservation. He set up the Cotswold Farm Park in 1971, the first domestic rare breeds farm open to the public, and later founded the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973. Adam recalls being given Exmoor ponies as a child, with his father teaching him how to maintain the breed and sell stock, and how half the proceeds from any sale went into his piggy bank, underlining that the farm park was also a business.
Adam also reveals the difficult childhood his father kept secret for years. Joe was the illegitimate son of actor Leslie Henson and music hall performer Billie Dell, and was kept hidden to avoid scandal. He was not allowed to attend his parents' wedding and was sent away to boarding school. Adam only learned the full story from a letter his father wrote towards the end of his life, which made him admire Joe even more.
Reflecting on his father's legacy, Adam says his own footsteps will never fill Joe's "great big ones", but he is determined to continue the work his father began, both in farming and in sharing his passion for the countryside.
