‘There’s no place like home,’ said Adam Henson, as he gave a talk to residents and visitors at Savernake View Care Home, Marlborough on Friday September 30.
Adam lives and works in the Cotswold farm where he was born and loves the gentle rolling hills, the dry stone walls and the limestone that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
He took over the tenancy of the farm from his father in 2001. Since then Adam has continued to develop the Cotswold Farm Park, which contains 50 different rare breeds, as well as becoming a presenter for BBC’s Countryfile, which has an audience of 9.5 million.
Adam’s father Joe Henson, who died last October, was a pioneer in saving rare breeds. In post-war Britain when the focus was on maximising food production many traditional British breeds were in danger of extinction.
Joe recognized the need to preserve rare breeds as a genetic resource for the future. The current popularity of locally produced organic food and of farm shops show how right he was.
Adam recommends buying organic but if this is not possible consumers should look for the red tractor with Union Jack symbol on meat which means the meat has been produced in accordance with British Standards.
Through programmes like Countryfile ‘the British public is falling in love with the countryside again,’ says Adam. He is keen to educate the public about the realities of modern farming and how food reaches the table.
Conservation is also important and wildlife margins have been created around all the fields on Adam’s farm. Adam feels strongly that Brexit negotiators must strive to preserve conservation schemes.
Although Adam had not planned a career as a TV presenter it is in his blood. His father appeared on Animal Magic with Johnny Morris. His grandfather, Leslie Henson, entertained troops during WW2 with Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers.
Farmers today have to be hard working, entrepreneurial and make full use of modern technology. According to Adam it is ‘an exciting, invigorating and rewarding business to be in. I adore what I do.’
Adam’s Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, Gloucestershire caters for all ages, with seasonal farming demonstrations and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The aim is to provide ‘hands on’ experiences and make learning fun. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk