Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has opened up about his plans for the future, including leaving the Cotswolds farm he and his wife Charlie currently run. The BBC star described the move as 'the end of an era'.
A Family Legacy
Adam runs his father Joe's farm in the Cotswolds, a legacy that began in 1971. However, as his children have no intention of taking over, Adam and Charlie are planning to relocate to a nearby bungalow.
'My dad was ahead of his time by opening a farm for people to come and visit, bottle-feed a lamb or hold a chick,' Adam told the Daily Express. '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 added: '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.'
Personal and Professional Challenges
During a separate conversation with Reach PLC, Adam spoke openly about the difficulties he has encountered both professionally and personally. While discussing the mental health challenges many farmers face, Adam acknowledged he was fortunate to have the backing of those closest to him.
'My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have an incredibly supportive family, wife, and children, and people around me,' he revealed. 'And within the business, I have got a business partner who I was at Agricultural College with and he is one of my closest friends and what we do is surround ourselves with people that are excellent within their own role in the business. Whether that is a manager or a farm manager, and we work really closely with the team and we are all very honest and open with one another.'
He continued, '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 can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
