Clarkson’s Farm star Harriet Cowan argues in her book Life On The Farm that fuller, thicker trimmed hedges help protect smaller nesting birds, explaining her criticism of Jeremy Clarkson’s views
Harriet Cowan, one of the breakout stars of Clarkson’s Farm, has criticised presenter Jeremy Clarkson over a specific element of his farming methods.
Harriet, 25, made her debut in the fourth series of the popular Amazon Prime programme, stepping in to assist Jeremy, 66, while Kaleb Cooper was away on a UK tour.
Since featuring on the programme, Harriet has established herself as a firm fan favourite. She was employed as a full-time community nurse before choosing to dedicate herself entirely to her farming career. She has also previously lent a hand on both her family’s Derbyshire farm and Jeremy’s.
Regarding her position at Diddly Squat farm, Harriet has offered crucial advice to former Top Gear and Grand Tour host Jeremy, including guidance on the most effective way to trim his hedges, reports the Daily Star.
In her book Life On The Farm, Harriet revealed they had disagreed about hedge-cutting techniques and how farmers undertake this vital task. This came in answer to a query about why farmers cut hedges during peak times and then travel at slow speeds.
Harriet replied: “You know hedge-cutting isn’t done deliberately slowly, right? It has to be that way? And you know we have to fit that job in around the hundreds of others that we do in the day, so sometimes it’s about when we can get out and get trimming and not about annoying people on the road.
“And if you don’t trim your hedges, like I told Jeremy, who was being all weird keeping his hedges wild because he didn’t want ‘Surrey’ hedges or some crap, big birds will come and eat the little birds who are nesting.
“If you can keep your hedges trimmed and therefore fuller and thicker, you give smaller birds and wildlife the chance to survive. And to be honest, I care more about that than the five minutes I might hold you up on your way to the shops.”
Harriet Cowan often shares a glimpse into her working life on social media
Alongside discussing why proper hedge trimming is crucial for safeguarding wildlife, Harriet also reflected on the transition between seasons. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared her feelings as daylight hours began to shorten and evenings grew longer.
She noted that farmers experience this shift more acutely than most. She explained: “There’s something about this time of year that always feels like a bit of a reset.
“The days are getting shorter, the evenings a little colder, the fields are slowly changing and suddenly you find yourself reaching for the gilet and boots again.
“I think farming makes you notice the seasons more than most. You don’t just see them change, you work your whole life around them.
“One minute you’re desperate for a dry spell, the next you’re watching the grass disappear, checking stock, thinking about winter feed and wondering how on earth another year has gone by so quickly.
