Countryfile presenter John Craven has revealed his end-of-life wish to have his ashes scattered atop Otley Chevin in Yorkshire. The 86-year-old, who joined the BBC show when it launched in 1989, made the emotional confession in a new interview with Farmers' Guardian.
A return to Yorkshire roots
Before becoming known for his love of the countryside, John spent close to two decades fronting Newsround, having created the children's programme in 1972. He currently resides in a village close to Banbury in Oxfordshire alongside his wife, with whom he raised two daughters.
The presenter expressed his deep fondness for the Yorkshire coastline, marking Whitby as his favourite. "Still one of my favourite places in the world is Wharfedale and Otley Chevin, where I used to cycle with my mates," he said.
Favourite places and family holidays
John continued: "I love the coast too, especially Whitby, though we had family holidays in Bridlington because I suspect it was a bit cheaper. I'd like to come home and have my ashes scattered in Yorkshire, maybe on the top of Otley Chevin."
He also revealed he spent much of his childhood holidays in Bridlington.
Reflections on early Countryfile challenges
The presenter also reflected on the obstacles he faced on Countryfile during the early years. He said: "In the very early days of Countryfile, it was very difficult to get cameras onto farms and to get farmers to speak to us.
"It took a long time to win farmers over and let them open the gates of the farm and let us in."
He explained that the initial reluctance of farmers to speak on camera has all but dissipated nowadays, with more people willing to share their stories. John stressed that profound challenges remain for British agriculture.
"The balance between environmental concern and the need to produce more food, that is the big issue that faces the country today," he said.
