Josh Sparkes, Head Gardener at Birch Farm. Josh’s ethos is very much rooted in sustainability and progressive agriculture practices such as regenerative soil management and agroforestry, natural and biodynamic farming. Having spent time in Japan, Korea and the US, Josh has gleaned and incorporated techniques from all these places such as the Japanese system of composting called Bokashi. The garden farm now supply’s produce to the kitchens of the collective.
Based in the village of Woolsery in North Devon, The Collective comprises an award winning pub - The Farmers Arms, a fish and chip shop, a traditional post office and 150 acre Birch Farm which supplies produce to the other businesses. The Collective is the creation of tech entrepreneurs Michael and Xochi Birch who have family connections with the area. The Collective has revived the village in recent years, regenerating the once derelict pub and keeping the shop open as well as training and employing local people.