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The Farmer’s Boy – The legend and legacy of Eric Freeman

Vernon Harwood explores the life and legacy of the pioneering farmer, conservationist and broadcaster Eric Freeman.

Clifford Freeman farms at Redmarley beside the River Leadon in the ancient border landscape where Gloucestershire meets Worcestershire. His 16th century farmhouse was once an inn on the old Welsh Drovers' route and sits in sight of Pauntley Court, the ancestral home of Dick Whittington (the real Richard Whittington who was Lord Mayor of London four times). But as Vernon Harwood discovers that's not the whole story because Clifford has found himself as the custodian of his father’s remarkable legacy.

His dad was the rare breeds pioneer, conservationist and broadcaster Eric Freeman, famous for his role in saving Gloucester cattle from extinction in the early 1970s. Eric also championed the other county breeds of Gloucestershire; Cotswold sheep and Old Spots pigs. He grew endangered fruit varieties, collected vintage farm waggons and revived centuries-old rural traditions such as Wassailing and Harvest Home.

Now Clifford has questions to ponder and difficult decisions to make. What’s the future for his dad’s beloved breeds and the old country customs he rekindled? Is there a place for Eric’s impressive collection of farming bygones and heirlooms? And importantly, how does he untangle his own legacy from his father’s? The programme centres around the Harvest Home celebration on Clifford’s farm – the first to be held since Eric’s death and a day full of poignancy and meaning.

Produced and presented by Vernon Harwood.

Release date:

22 minutes

On radio

Sun 1 Feb 2026 06:35

Broadcast

  • Sun 1 Feb 2026 06:35