With 2022 marking 100 years of the BBC, the 4th September Countryfile episode: 100 years of British farming will see Adam Henson and Margherita Taylor look back at the last 100 years of British farming.
Taking a look at the challenges, changes, and tribulations that have occurred over the last century, Adam Henson and Margherita Taylor will step back in time as they visit the beautiful Cogges Manor Farm in West Oxfordshire; focussing on the changing role of women in farming, and how machinery has altered, amongst other fascinating topics.
Joined by historians, experts, and people who are determined to keep our agricultural heritage alive, this episode will be a celebration of our farming past, will provide a comparative look at our farming present, and will even touch upon our farming future and where British agriculture might be heading.
Located in the heart of Witney, a century ago Cogges Manor Farm had about 500 acres of land. After centuries of farming, today only 17 acres remain, managed and cared for by Cogges Heritage Trust. The charity seeks to maintain the architectural charm and agricultural history of Cogges for the local community to continue to enjoy for generations to come.
Farm Manager, Kirsty Grey said: “We still keep some animals at Cogges to preserve the farming tradition and bring life to the farm buildings. Many of our animals are breeds traditional to Oxfordshire and help to tell the stories of Cogges through the ages, and give an idea of some of the small scale farming that still takes place in the county and Cotswolds.”
Photos credited to Cereta Drewitt
