Adam Henson, 59, beloved Countryfile presenter and farmer, has shared a deeply personal update about stepping away from the 650-hectare Cotswolds Farm Park estate in Gloucestershire. In interviews from June 2025, Henson described the move as “the end of an era,” prompted by the farm’s tenancy ending in 2037 and his children’s decision not to inherit the business. Ella, an events organizer in Perth, and Alfie, a financial advisor in Leeds, may know how to “lamb a sheep and drive a tractor,” but their passions lie elsewhere.
Established in 1971 by Henson’s father, Joe, the farm was one of Britain’s first visitor-friendly agricultural estates. It became a cornerstone of Henson’s public career, blending hands-on experiences like bottle-feeding lambs with a lifelong mission to connect people to rural life.
Adam and his wife, Charlotte “Charlie” Henson, plan to relocate to a bungalow in nearby Winchcombe, preserving their connection to the land by tending sheep and dogs on a smaller acreage. “It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside,” Henson said.
The decision comes amid reflections on hardship and resilience. In 2021, Charlie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, following what was first thought to be a Christmas stomach bug. A 4.5cm tumor changed everything. The couple, together for 28 years but unmarried, wed in a private ceremony on September 9—just one day before Charlie’s surgery. “We had never felt we needed to marry, but now it was the most important thing in the world,” Charlie shared.
Adam broke down during a farm meeting while sharing the news and later celebrated Charlie’s recovery at a joyful 1920s-themed party, acknowledging how close he came to losing her. Loss has been a thread through Henson’s journey—his parents, a nephew, and countless challenges in farming, from foot-and-mouth disease to the impact of Covid.
Still, he has channeled adversity into purpose. His Keeping On Track podcast, launched in 2023 with The Sound Doctor, addresses mental health in farming, with one listener crediting it for saving her husband’s life.
Fan concern has grown online, with posts calling recent updates “sad” and “worrying.” Whether the sentiment stems from operational changes or Adam’s candid vulnerability is unclear—but what is certain is Henson’s enduring connection to his roots.
He remains a steady presence on Countryfile and has hinted that if his television career ever slows, he may return to “proper farming.” Whatever comes next, Henson approaches it with optimism, gratitude, and an unwavering respect for the land—and the life it has given him.
