It’s a farmer’s life for me
You may recognise Adam Henson from Countryfile, regularly presenting from his Cotswold farm to millions of viewers every Sunday. But when filming stops, the work continues for the UK’s most-loved farmer. We talk to him about his love of farming and the countryside, lambing season, and what we can expect to see at Cotswold Farm Park when it re-opens.
What is your first outdoor memory?
I don’t have a first memory as such as I always remember being outdoors. My Mum and Dad were full time farmers, so there was always lots to do. My 3 sisters and I were taken along wherever they went, so we were always entertaining ourselves outside.
What was your childhood like growing up on a farm?
Growing up on a farm was fantastic. We were always outside, playing in the yard, and learning so much about animals. We worked hard with Mum and Dad, but I have nothing but happy memories.
Did your children enjoy farm life as much as you did growing up? Do they still enjoy it now they are older?
My children have always loved the outdoors too. We would often check the animals together, they’d help with lambing and we’d always have great fun. They have both been off to university and have lots of other interests, but both help out on the farm when they can. I think they will always be lovers of the countryside, just like me and their mum Charlie.
Your father Joe Henson, MBE, opened Cotswold Farm Park to visitors in 1971 to help protect some of your rare breeds of farm animals. He founded the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973 and is credited with helping save famous varieties of farm animals from extinction. Where did his interest in farming and passion for rare breeds conservation stem from?
Here is an interview with my Dad, all about his love of farming, it sums up exactly his love for it, and uses his own words:
‘I grew up in London, where my dad, Leslie, was an actor; we had to live within easy reach of the West End. I had a model farm that I loved, and I used to spend my Saturday sixpence on a lead animal for it each week. We then moved to Northwood, at the end of the tube line, which was very rural, and my mum would walk me to a little farm up the road, where everything except the ploughing was done by horses. The herd of cows was hand-milked; the milk was bottled and delivered by pony and float; the chickens were all free range, and one of my jobs was to go round with a basket looking for eggs to take back to the farmer. That was the life for me. Because Dad was away in the war, entertaining the troops all over the world, my Grampy Bill got me a pair of rabbits to teach me about the facts of life! We were soon outnumbered so mum and I would swap oven-ready rabbit for eggs and vegetables; you can imagine that we didn’t live badly.’
It’s currently lambing season, one of your busiest times, what is your average day?
I have an incredible team of people who help with lambing, as I’m often busy filming or doing other things on the farm. There is always someone on call or in the barn to assist the sheep. There’s lots to be done: mucking out, bottle feeding, checking on the first-time mums, and of course keeping an eye out for lambing complications. The first thing I do when I head into the Lambing Barn, is scan the sheep for anyone that looks like she may lamb. The signs are licking their lips, turning in tight circles and looking restless. If I identify one of these ewes, I’ll keep an eye on her, and intervene if necessary.
Do you still find yourself moved witnessing the birth of one of your animals? You must have seen thousands!
Watching the birth of animals is always an incredible thing. It always moves me, and it’s lovely to bring new life to the world. Lambing season is one of my favourite times of the year for exactly that reason — I first helped to lamb a ewe when I was around 7 or 8 years old, and the feeling still hasn’t changed!
What is the best thing about being a farmer?
The outdoors! I’d hate to be stuck behind a desk all day — I love the countryside and always have.
For young people who don’t have the natural progression of inheriting a farm or tenancy, what is another gateway into a career in farming?
Education. The farming industry is not just down to farmers, but several other careers too. Vets, land managers, agricultural technology roles and more. My advice would be to learn at an agricultural college, and go from there.
You have just released a children’s book ‘A Year on Adam’s Farm’, following your journey through the seasons on the farm. Why is it important for children to learn about farming?
I think it’s incredibly important for children to learn about farming — where their food comes from, the countryside and how to look after the land. I hope that my book encourages kids to get involved in farming, but also teaches their parents too!
Cotswold Farm Park reopens on the 12th April and we are so excited! What can we expect to see?
We’ve got lots for you to look forward to here at the Cotswold Farm Park. Some brand-new play equipment, new additions in the campsite and accommodation and of course lots of new arrivals (in particular lambs, piglets and goat kids!)
Book your tickers for Cotswold Farm Park here. The Animal Barn, Discovery Barn and Adventure Barn will re-open later in the Spring.
