Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda Owen speaks about 'daunting' project and 'difficult times'

Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda Owen has opened up about the difficulties faced during her latest renovation project, thanks in part to Yorkshire's challenging weather conditions. The 50-year-old shepherdess gained popularity through Channel 5's hit show and made headlines last year when she and her husband, Clive Owen, announced their separation while affirming their commitment to co-parenting and working together on the farm.

Their journey continues in the fresh Channel 4 series, Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive And Kids, which documents the family – including their nine children – and the process of refurbishing a dilapidated farmhouse. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast with her children, Clemmy, Nancy, and Annas, Ms Owen commented: "We’re getting there (with the renovation). We like a challenge, don’t we? ".

"Yeah, it’s been very difficult, what with Yorkshire’s weather coming at us. Things have gone far slower than we’d have ever wished for." For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter

She also emphasized the importance of heritage in their current project, saying: "Because it’s a listed building, because it’s got a lot of history – we’ve got the diaries from the chap who used to live and farm there – it’s really important to us that we keep that heritage and that legacy that he left behind, and keep it true to what it really is, those roots. The task is as intriguing as it is daunting, but learning about the past inhabitants of the house has been an educational journey," she reflected.

Assessing the state of farming today, she noted: "It’s difficult times, you don’t know what the future holds for you. You’re always mindful, particularly when you’re farming the land and very much in touch with the historical aspect. You’re very mindful of the passing of time."

Reflecting on her family's past experiences, Ms Owen noted: "Although we’re looking backwards, at what was (on the show), we’re also looking forward, and it’s so interesting to find out and see that a lot of the ideas that we are championing now about the environment, sustainability and our sort of more holistic way of farming – it’s just a rebrand. We were doing it a long time before."

Ms Owen and her family rose to fame with the 2018 launch of Our Yorkshire Farm, which documented their life on Ravenseat Farm. She later released a book, Celebrating The Seasons With The Yorkshire Shepherdess, featuring stories, photos, and seasonal recipes from their rural life.

In their new five-part Channel 4 series, the family collaborate with local tradespeople to renovate their home while managing the family sheep farm, all amidst one of the wettest years on record.