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Jeremy Clarkson Undertakes Farmyard Spring Clean at Diddly Squat Farm
Celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson has revealed a significant overhaul at Diddly Squat Farm, triggered by a sudden desire to declutter the entire farmyard. As the UK experienced periods of sunny weather recently, many people enjoyed the outdoors, but Clarkson, known for his agricultural pursuits, recounted in his column for The Times that he dedicated the “first vaguely warm and pleasant day of the year” to tidying and organising his expansive 1,000-acre farm. This farm spring clean marks a notable transformation at the Oxfordshire-based Diddly Squat Farm.
The Kitchen Drawer Inspiration
The 65-year-old television personality detailed the inspiration behind his farmyard task, drawing a comparison to a common household item:
“Most of us have a drawer of ‘various items’ in the kitchen. Need a nine-volt battery? Check the drawer. Need a rubber band or a paper clip? It’s in the drawer. Looking for a razor blade, a drinking straw, or a ten euro note? They, too, are likely in your kitchen drawer.”
He elaborated on this relatable scenario, explaining the subconscious trigger for decluttering:
“Typically, you might rummage through your kitchen drawer weekly, searching for a Swiss Army knife, scissors, or binoculars, without giving it much thought. However, with the initial hint of spring sunshine, we are instinctively driven to address the drawer’s chaotic state. It becomes a source of annoyance.”
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“Herculean” Task of Farm Decluttering
This sudden realization spurred the former Top Gear presenter to embark on what he described as a “Herculean” effort to clean up his farm premises. By the close of the initial day, Clarkson had accumulated an impressive three skips filled with discarded materials.
Clarkson, also a father, openly discussed the immense undertaking of managing his farm. This endeavour presented its challenges, notably when his farming associate, Kaleb Cooper, departed for the Yorkshire Dales after being requested to lend a hand.
Challenges of Farm Equipment Organisation
Clarkson humorously described the inherent difficulty in discerning the purpose of farm implements:
“The primary issue I encountered was that the function of agricultural items is rarely obvious,” Clarkson stated. “There’s invariably a dusty electrical box of some sort, complete with unsightly wiring and patches of rust.”
He further depicted the perplexing condition of agricultural tools:
“Adding to the complexity, equipment intended for agricultural applications often appears damaged and corroded even when brand new. Consequently, upon picking up an item from beneath some discarded plastic sheeting, I was left uncertain of its identity, function, origin, or whether Kaleb had recently purchased it, or if it dated back to a much earlier era.”
Sorting and Storing Farm Tools
Clarkson conveyed his bewilderment regarding the proper method of organising farm implements:
“Consequently, I was unsure what to discard and what to retain. Furthermore, should I determine an item was worth keeping, I lacked clarity on whether it belonged in the fencing equipment section or the livestock handling area.”
Farmyard Transformation Complete
After working persistently into the night across three days, Clarkson declared the mission accomplished and affirmed that “everything was in its designated location”. The host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? reportedly acquired 1,000 acres of the Sarsden estate in Chipping Norton, encompassing Curdle Hill Farm, in 2008. On this farm, he cultivates barley, rapeseed, and wheat through crop rotation.
Diddly Squat Farm’s On-Screen Journey
In 2019, following the retirement of the previous tenant farmer, Clarkson embraced the challenge of farming himself. He renamed the property Diddly Squat Farm and has since documented his farming experiences in the Prime Video series, offering viewers a glimpse into the realities of modern agriculture. This farmyard spring clean is likely to feature in future episodes, showcasing the ongoing developments at Diddly Squat Farm.