Television personality Jeremy Clarkson has revealed a deeply personal motivation behind the environmental transformation of his now-famous Cotswolds holding, Diddly Squat Farm. The decision was spurred by a 'sad' moment when he confronted the stark silence of the skies above his land.
The 'Sad' Silence That Sparked Action
Clarkson, who purchased the thousand-acre site including Curdle Hill Farm back in 2008, was disheartened by the noticeable absence of birdlife when he took over its management in 2019. The farm had been run by a tenant until that point, but when they left, the former Top Gear host decided to run it himself, a journey documented in the hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm.
In his column for The Sunday Times, Clarkson reflected on the wider national crisis for farmland birds, noting their numbers have plummeted by more than 60% since 1970. "When I first bought Diddly Squat this sorry state of affairs was obvious," he wrote. "I'd go for a walk and the skies were completely empty. This made me sad."
Transforming the Farm for Wildlife
Determined to make a difference, Clarkson began implementing a series of environmental changes seven years ago. His strategy focused on creating a richer, more supportive habitat for native species, even at the expense of agricultural output.
He significantly widened the field margins. While regulations typically require farmers to leave four to six metres uncultivated around field edges, Clarkson chose to leave up to ten metres in some areas. He also stopped trimming hedgerows away from roads, allowing them to grow thicker and provide better shelter and nesting sites.
Further interventions included digging new ponds across the farm. While he jokingly admits a love for using diggers, the serious intent was to provide a crucial water source for wildlife. He later planted wildflower strips to encourage insect populations, creating a natural larder for birds.
Expert Guidance and Dramatic Results
To refine his approach, Clarkson sought advice from bird expert Hannah Bourne-Taylor. She encouraged further habitat diversification, suggesting the planting of various native species. Although an initial attempt with wildflowers failed due to dry weather, the broader strategy proved a resounding success.
Following these conservation efforts, a survey conducted by Bourne-Taylor recorded a remarkable 45 different bird species thriving at Diddly Squat Farm. This stands in stark contrast to the average UK farm, which is home to just 27 species.
Among the species now spotted on the land are whitethroats, goldfinches, various buntings, and skylarks. Clarkson remarked that while many were "small and boring," he was profoundly pleased to see his efforts had directly countered the decline he once found so saddening.
This environmental win comes alongside Clarkson's other local ventures, including the nearby Farmer's Dog pub, which he admits costs a "fortune" to run but has been loved by punters. The story of Diddly Squat Farm continues to evolve, blending the challenges of modern agriculture with a growing commitment to sustainable farming and wildlife conservation.
