**Countryfile’s Adam Henson Reflects on ‘End of an Era’ as He Prepares to Leave Family Farm**
Adam Henson, the familiar face of BBC’s *Countryfile*, has spoken with candour and nostalgia about an imminent, significant transition in both his personal and professional life. The veteran presenter and farmer has confirmed that he and his wife, Charlie, are preparing to eventually leave their beloved Cotswold farm – a place that has been both a home and a mainstay in the local agricultural scene for over five decades.
Henson currently resides on the expansive Cotswolds Farm Park, a 650-hectare property best known for welcoming the public to experience traditional farming up close. The farm’s founding roots stretch back to 1971, when Adam’s late father, Joe Henson, established it as one of Britain’s first farms open to visitors. Joe Henson was widely considered ahead of his time, championing educational tourism before it became commonplace.
In a recent interview, Adam explained the reasoning behind the upcoming change. He revealed that as the current tenancy on the farm is set to conclude in 12 years, he and Charlie have elected to downsize, moving to a bungalow located in nearby Winchcombe. Their new residence will afford them a much smaller plot but still offer enough space for a handful of sheep and their beloved dogs. “It will be the end of an era,” Adam reflected, “but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside.”
Although Henson has spent much of his life on the Cotswold land, he highlighted how the next generation of his family have forged their own, very different, paths. While both of Adam’s children are well equipped with practical farming skills, neither has chosen to continue in agriculture. His daughter has become an events organiser based in Perth, while his son works as a financial advisor in Leeds. This generational shift has influenced the family’s plans for the future of the farm.
During the interview, Adam also opened up about some of the personal challenges he has navigated over recent years. He spoke candidly about his wife Charlie’s previous battle with cancer, the profound losses of both his parents, and the heartbreaking passing of his nephew. The agricultural sector, too, has served up harsh hurdles, with the farm weathering crises such as the foot-and-mouth outbreak and the wider impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite these hardships, Adam credits the support of family, friends and colleagues for helping him maintain a positive outlook. “I’ve always been an upbeat person, and I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a supportive family and an excellent business partner, who’s also a close friend from our days at Agricultural College,” he said. The importance of “honesty and openness” within his team has been vital, both operationally and emotionally. He emphasised that surrounding oneself with capable and trustworthy people has been essential to his ability to confront difficult times.
He also underlined that, despite the many pressures and personal sorrows he has faced, he has managed to avoid poor mental health owing to this nurturing environment. “We’ve gone through tough times, but I’ve never had poor mental health because I’ve had that fantastic support system around me,” Adam acknowledged.
As for the future, Adam’s commitment to farming and rural advocacy remains undiminished. The move from the farm marks a significant chapter closing, not just for the Henson family but also for the many fans who have followed their story over the years. His openness regarding family changes, personal struggles, and the challenges distinct to British agriculture continues to resonate deeply among viewers and fellow farmers alike.
In essence, Adam Henson’s journey epitomises the shifting landscape of the British countryside – one where tradition and change intertwine, and where resilience, community, and adaptability remain at the heart of rural life.