Over the last 15 years Josh Sparkes from Beckley has travelled the globe learning about new methods of growing food sustainably. His gardening career began locally after returning to Sussex following service with the RAF in Afghanistan..
Studies at Plumpton and Hadlow enabled Josh to begin his journey somewhat closer to home at Sissinghurst. Travels then took Josh across the UK and then onto Japan and America where he realised the UK was behind the curve when it came to horticulture. He has written articles for prominent gardening magazines including Gardens Illustrated and The Times magazine. He has also appeared on Gardeners World.
Josh is now head gardener of Birch Farm in north Devon. It is here that Josh has developed his ideas around food sovereignty and where he oversees the farm’s market garden which produces the food sold in the pub and hotel in the village. He says he is keen to do more. “I hope it will also go on to supply food for the wider community. It’s difficult for people to get food at affordable prices.”
He is currently experimenting with different methods that break free from the traditional ways of thinking where weeds are actually allowed. Josh says he is a big advocate of the edible forest method that allows nature and horticulture to co-exist. “Natural farming is about your own love and passion for food, nature and people, and now I see it more as a personal philosophy than a set of instructions.”
Despite his demanding schedule Josh is returning to his roots in Beckley to give an exciting talk at the Village Hall on Saturday February 22 at 7pm where he will share his ideas on perennial vegetables and how they can play a significant role in achieving self-sufficiency.
The talk is free to Beckley Horticultural members and visitors are welcome for a small fee of £5. Refreshments will be available. For more info look on Beckley Horticultural Society’s Facebook group or just turn up on the night.
Image Credits: Josh Sparkes .
I was unable to go to hear Josh Sparks. On the internet there are articles about him and the methods he uses and utube to view. if any others could not go to the evening.