Jeremy Clarkson, known from his days on Top Gear, recently had a “sad” awakening at his beloved Diddly Squat Farm. When he took over the reins in 2019 after managing it under another’s supervision, he noticed a striking absence of birdlife—a realisation that left him wanting to make significant changes.
Determined to bring life back to the skies, Jeremy embarked on a mission to create a more bird-friendly environment. One major step involved widening field margins to 10 metres in some areas, going beyond the usual four to six, despite reducing the land available for farming. He also went pond-crazy, getting a bit digger-happy, in hopes of attracting birds that prefer not to wander too far from home.
With advice from bird-whisperer Hannah Bourne-Taylor, who offered tips like adding wildflower strips and planting flora with fancy Latin names, Jeremy was keen to make a difference. Although Malawi weather conditions hindered his wildflower-growing efforts, the ponds and changes still worked wonders. Hannah noted an impressive 45 bird species at the farm, far exceeding the average of 27 usually found on such properties.
From skylarks to goldfinches, Jeremy’s efforts have clearly paid off. He might not be overly impressed with some of the smaller feathered friends, jokingly calling them “small and boring,” but he’s thrilled to see such vibrant avian life back on his land.
And it seems Jeremy’s love for rural projects doesn’t stop at farming; he also dabbles in the local pub scene, investing in the Farmer’s Dog pub nearby. Despite the pub’s financial strain, customers are loving the place.
Jeremy Clarkson’s farming journey at Diddly Squat Farm is leaving its mark, not just in the farming world, but also in the lives and skies of countless birds. We’re eager to see what he comes up with next! 🐦🚜