Countryfile’s John Craven has blasted the disappearance of rural services.
The 78-year-old TV presenter says the losses of rural shops, schools, post offices, and pubs have left residents "socially isolated".
He told BBC’s Countryfile magazine: "In particular this has hit the rising number of pensioners who live long distances from surgeries and hospitals and maybe don’t have anyone to keep an eye on them."
John also called for Britain to be more self-sufficient when it comes to food production.
He said: "No matter what happens over Brexit, I worry for the future of UK food production. It’s vital that we step up our level of self-sufficiency and improve our exports.
"Most farmers are middle-aged to elderly and over the years so many sons and daughters have told me they have no interest in taking over from their parents."
John firmly believes the Britain needs more young recruits "from non-farming backgrounds" in order to ensure future demands will be met.
He continued: "Politicians must face up to this or the UK will be forced to rely increasingly on imports."
Meanwhile, the veteran broadcaster, whose career has spanned five decades, also said he has always been himself on screen, and he loves meeting viewers of the show.
He said: "One joy of being at BBC Countryfile Live every August is to be regarded as a friend by folk I’ve never met before."
Countryfile’s John Craven blasts services cuts
