Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson has shared a heartwarming and significant piece of news for the coming year, centred on a critically endangered resident of his Cotswold Farm Park.
A Precious Pregnancy for a Rare Breed
As 2026 approaches, Adam Henson has opened up about his hopes for the new year, which include a much-desired respite from the extreme weather that challenged farmers in 2025. However, his primary excitement is reserved for a very special event scheduled for May 2026.
Writing in BBC Countryfile Magazine, Henson revealed that his beloved Suffolk Punch mare, named Lexy, is pregnant and due to give birth. He described the impending arrival as a "big deal", underscoring the grave conservation status of the breed.
The Critical Status of the Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk Punch, a striking chestnut-coloured heavy horse, is classified as "critically endangered" by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The era when these powerful animals were commonly used for farm work and pulling drays has long passed, leading to a drastic population decline.
Henson highlighted the sobering statistics: there are currently fewer than 500 Suffolk Punch horses remaining globally. Even more critically, the number of breeding females left in the UK stands at a mere 75. Every successful birth is therefore a crucial step for the breed's survival.
Hopes for a Healthy Future
The farmer's immediate priority is ensuring a smooth delivery for Lexy at his 50-acre Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire. "A trouble-free birth is my first concern," Henson stated, while expressing his hope for a "fit and healthy" foal.
The pregnancy was confirmed earlier this year after two positive scans. In a YouTube video and Instagram posts from July 2025, Henson teased the "big news" with the help of Alison from Holbeache Stud, who cares for the horses.
Beyond this joyful event, Henson also reflected on the broader challenges facing agriculture, noting that farmers are at the "forefront" of adapting to a changing climate and increasingly extreme weather, which the Met Office has warned is becoming the norm.
The arrival of Lexy's foal next spring will not only be a celebratory moment for the farm and its visitors but also a small yet vital contribution to preserving a iconic piece of British agricultural heritage.
