A Wilder Way

I adored A Wilder Way, and learnt so much, about the alchemy of the living world and the possibilities of relationship. I finished the book newly awestruck by planet Earth and all the life that she carries. Beautifully written, nourishing, evocative and inspiring, Poppy Okotcha has given us a gift of hope and wonder. * Lucy Jones, author of Losing Eden *This is an intimate look at building a true relationship with a garden and all that live in it. Practical, poetic, political —like the best conversations over tea in the garden. * Alys Fowler *Poppy’s fresh-eyed look at her own little corner of the county gave me a renewed sense of wonder and delight at the joys and challenges of loving and (on good days) living off a small patch of land. Plus some truly brilliant ideas for getting the most from it. She had me at worm tea. * Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall *This treasure of a book takes us on a wonderful and thought-provoking journey, reminding us that everything is connected and gently inspiring us to tread more lightly on our precious planet. * Lucy Jones, Myrobalan Clinic *Poppy has built a relationship with her land which reminds us how gentle life can be if we could all just restore our true natures and like Poppy, lean into the embrace and care of the land once again. * Mary Reynolds *A wise, passionate, heartfelt book. An invaluable resource for those seeking greater attunement with the year’s cycles * Katherine May *

Poppy Okotcha is a trained horticulturist and regenerative grower, on a mission to inspire people to engage with and connect to the natural world. With her joyful Instagram content, Poppy teaches people how to grow and forage their own food, whilst living and eating consciously - for personal, community and planetary health. As a young black woman, Poppy also advocates for those who are underrepresented and marginalised in the world of horticulture and environmentalism.

Poppy’s successful modelling career began in 2014 (she has worked with brands like Vivienne Westwood and Chloe), but in 2016, exhausted by work and international travel, her focus turned to her garden - and to learning how to grow her own good quality, nutrient-dense, food. She began to think more deeply about the connection between healthy environments, healthy food, and, indeed, healthier (happier) people, and decided to train as a horticulturist.

In 2016 Poppy began her horticulture studies with the Royal Horticultural Society, and spent time working with a number of community gardens in London. She also studied alongside Martin Crawford, the creator of the oldest “food forest” in England, qualifying in 2019 as a Permaculture Designer.

Poppy has been featured on Gardeners’ World (BBC2), and is a regular contributor to the Royal Horticultural Society podcast.

She recently relocated to Devon, where she has more growing space to work with, and more links to a landscape of established, sustainably run farms and community gardens.