Packham Slams Diddly Squat: Clarkson Feud Reignites
Chris Packham vs. Jeremy Clarkson: The Farming Feud Explained Simply
Imagine two famous TV stars arguing over a muddy field in the English countryside. That’s basically what’s happening between Chris Packham (the nature guy from Springwatch) and Jeremy Clarkson (the loud car guy from Top Gear who now has a farm show called Clarkson’s Farm).
They both love farming, but they really disagree on what "real farming" looks like. Let’s break it down like you’re five.
Who Are the Two Main Characters?
| Chris Packham | Jeremy Clarkson |
|---|---|
| BBC nature presenter (Springwatch) | Former Top Gear host, now farmer |
| Conservationist – protects wildlife | Stars in Clarkson’s Farm (Prime Video) |
| Speaks out against "industrial farming" | Known for strong opinions & "agitating" |
| Stepdad to Megan McCubbin (also a conservationist) | Owns Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds |
What Started the Feud?
It all kicked off earlier this year on a show called Celebrity Gogglebox (where famous people watch TV and react).
Packham was watching Clarkson’s Farm with his stepdaughter.
He pointed at the screen and said:"Already, right, that’s not what a farm looks like."
What Did Packham Actually Say?
He didn’t hold back. Here’s his main argument in simple terms:
"Most Farms Are Not Like This"
- Monocultures: Giant fields of just one crop (like all wheat, all corn) – bad for nature.
- Chemicals: Sprayed with pesticides & herbicides ("deadly chemicals") again and again.
- Fertilisers: Ground "pumped full" of artificial fertiliser.
- Animals Indoors: "Loads of animals are indoors in crates, being crushed and kept in the dark."
"It’s a Cartoon"
Packham called the show’s opening credits "Winnie the Pooh-ish" – a cute, fake version of farming.
But… He Respects Clarkson?
"I understand what he does. He’s an agitator. I respect him for that because it is akin to what I’m trying to do."
Translation: "We’re both trying to shake things up and make people talk – even if it’s uncomfortable."
How Did Clarkson Hit Back?
Clarkson didn’t stay quiet. He wrote a column in The Sun and posted on X (formerly Twitter).
1. The "You Visited My Farm!" Card
"Back in 2012, he came to Diddly Squat and spent the day in our woods, foraging and bird watching. If there had been some animals in a crate, being crushed, I’m sure he would have noticed and said something."
2. The "It’s B**s" Comment
He called Packham’s claims "b****s" and said Packham was "endlessly angry."**
3. Later… He Regretted It
"I was very incensed… and immediately wrote in The Sun that he was talking b****s. But in the new age of tolerance and respect, I shouldn’t have done that. I should have kept schtum."*
(Schtum = quiet / shut up)*
The Back-and-Forth Didn’t Stop There
Packham Posted Stats on Instagram
He shared data about:
- Animal welfare issues
- Pesticide use
- Habitat destruction
And captioned it:
"Tell me Jeremy Clarkson, is it really all happy smiley down on the farm?"
Packham Doubled Down (to the Express)
"Clarkson is being disingenuous and the industrial farmers are making a smokescreen to hide their horrors."
"The industrial farming fraternity love ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ because it gives them something pretty to hide behind."
"The truth is so very different… for the sake of animal welfare, wildlife, human health and a secure environmental future."
What’s the Real Issue Here? (The "Big Picture")
This isn’t just two celebs bickering. It’s about two very different visions of farming:
| Packham’s View | Clarkson’s Show |
|---|---|
| Most UK farms = industrial factories | Clarkson’s Farm = one man’s journey |
| Bad for nature, animals, climate | Shows struggles, but looks pretty & wholesome |
| Wants people to see the ugly truth | Accused of being a "friendly flagship" for big ag |
Packham’s core point:
"If all farms were like Jeremy Clarkson’s, the world would be a better place. But the fact of the matter is they’re not."
IMPORTANT POINT
This feud highlights a massive debate in the UK right now:
- Industrial farming = high output, low cost, but often harms nature/animals.
- Nature-friendly farming = better for wildlife/climate, but can cost more / produce less.
Clarkson’s show is entertainment; Packham says it accidentally covers up the norm.
Summary: The Feud in a Nutshell
- Packham watched Clarkson’s Farm on TV → said "This is fake, real farming is ugly."
- Clarkson got mad → said "You visited my farm in 2012 and loved it!"
- Clarkson later said "I shouldn’t have been so rude."
- Packham kept going → posted stats, said Clarkson’s show is a "smokescreen" for bad farming.
- The real fight: What does normal British farming look like – and should we be okay with it?
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is Jeremy Clarkson a real farmer?
Yes! He bought the land in 2008, started farming properly around 2019, and Clarkson’s Farm shows his real (often chaotic) attempts to run it. He’s not an actor – but he is a celebrity with a TV crew and budget most farmers don’t have.
Is Chris Packham a farmer?
No. He’s a naturalist and conservationist. He knows a lot about wildlife and how farming affects it, but he doesn’t run a commercial farm. His "farm" is more like a nature reserve.
What’s a "monoculture"?
Imagine a giant field growing only wheat, year after year. No flowers, no trees, no mix of crops. It’s efficient for harvesting – but terrible for bees, birds, soil health, and biodiversity.
Why does Packham call Clarkson an "agitator"?
An agitator is someone who stirs things up on purpose to get attention and force change. Packham says: "I do the same thing – I make people uncomfortable so they talk about nature." It’s actually a compliment (sort of).
Who’s "right"?
Both have a point.
- Clarkson shows one farm trying to do better (and failing hilariously sometimes).
- Packham shows the statistics of what 90%+ of UK farms actually look like.
The truth is somewhere in the messy middle – and that’s why the argument matters.
Want to learn more? Watch an episode of Clarkson’s Farm (Prime Video), then watch Springwatch (BBC iPlayer). Compare the vibes. You’ll see exactly what they’re arguing about.