Clarkson: ‘I love the idea of being a farmer’

Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has spoken of his love for the countryside and passion for farming.

“I love the idea of being a farmer, that’s why I like watching Adam’s Farm [on Countryfile],” he told producers of the BBC show.

In an interview published in the Radio Times, Mr Clarkson also expressed his admiration for the hard work that farmers do.

“Farming land is complex. It’s a business, but it’s important to me that the land looks beautiful too,” he added.

Mr Clarkson, who is more commonly known for driving 4x4s and his wacky gas-guzzling exploits presenting the BBC’s popular motoring show Top Gear, also told of his fondness for the countryside.

“I enjoy being in the countryside. People don’t associate that with me, but it is possible to like more than one thing at once.”

According to the Evening Standard, in 2009 Mr Clarkson reportedly snapped up a large share of a 1,000 acre Oxfordshire estate, which included a run down farmhouse.

He told the Countryfile that he wanted to increase biodiversity on his farm.

“I want get more butterflies here,” he said.  “I want to get many, many more birds. I want to do a helluva lot to make [the land] look nice and to make wildlife come [here].”

Back in 2009, he told Top Gear readers he had very different plans for the land.

In an interview published on TopGear.com, he announced: “I have bought a farm. There are many sensible reasons for this. Land is a better investment than any bank can offer.

“The government doesn’t get any of my money when I die. And the price of the food that I grow can only go up. But there is another, much more important reason: I can now have a quad bike.”

Mr Clarkson is likely to get more time to devote to his farmland over the next few months as apart from the Christmas special, there will be no more Top Gear episodes this year.

Speaking via his Twitter account, he revealed: “There’s a rumour in internet land that there will be no more Top Gear this year. I’m afraid that apart from an Xmas Special, it’s true.”