Countryfile's Adam Henson says 'that would provide perfect farewell' in emotional update

Popular Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has been running Bemborough Farm for more than 25 years - with its flock of 350 commercial ewes and numerous rare breeds of farm animals. So it's no great surprise that he's a great proponent of rare breed wool.

And in his latest column of praise for wool in the BBC Countryfile magazine, Adam has hinted that he might one day take advantage of a UK company that manufactures all-wool coffins, complete with a hand embroidered name plate.

"I can't help thinking that would provide the perfect farewell for any self-respecting, wool-loving, rare-breeds shepherd," he writes.

That's just one of the myriad uses to which wool can be put, he says.

Listing various virtues of wool; from socks to soundproofing, Adam adds: "The natural crimp in a sheep's fleece gives an elasticity and robustness, which makes wool carpet fibres bounce back after they've been walked over."

Adam says it's been almost 15 years since he filmed a segment for Countryfile in which he showed the evolution of a bespoke tweed suit from shearing and spinning to weaving and tailoring.

He says that the finale of the feature, when he drove a mixed flock of British rare-breed sheep through the streets of Stow-on-the-Wold, is still talked about in the town today.

The one downside of his TV success, Adam says, is that it has somewhat distanced him from his farming roots.

"I grew up on a farm and still love it," Adam said.

However, he added: "The telly world has taken me slightly away from that, though I do get to tour the country meeting farmers and picking up ideas. If one day my face doesn't fit and the BBC drops me, I'll go back to being a proper farmer."

While he inherited the farm, and his enthusiasm for rare breeds, from his dad, Adam isn't certain that his children will follow in the family business.

"My dad was ahead of his time by opening a farm for people to come and visit, bottle-feed a lamb or hold a chick," he explained.

"While I was pulling on my wellies and chasing my dad out of the door to join him on the farm, my own children aren't interested in a career in farming.

"Sure, they can lamb a sheep and drive a tractor, but my daughter lives in Perth as an events organiser and my son is a financial advisor in Leeds."

He went on: "So when the tenancy runs out in 12 years' time, Charlie and I are moving to a bungalow close by in Winchcombe, where we have a few acres and will keep a few sheep and the dogs.

"It will be the end of an era, but I will still be able to enjoy the lovely countryside."