David Watkins – From Special Effects to Sustainable Farming

David Watkins has spent his career bringing blockbuster films to life through the art of special effects. As a member of the explosive engineers at Cranfield, he has worked on some of the most iconic films of our time, including Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down. His expertise in the craft has earned him three BAFTA nominations and an Academy Award nomination for his work on The Midnight Sky. His dedication to his craft is matched by a lifelong passion for innovation and storytelling in film.

Raised by his wonderful mother, Jane, David's journey has been anything but conventional. He had a promising rugby career up until the age of 16 and was active in DJing during his younger years. At 17, David ran an underpinning business, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. A highlight of his early career was dancing with Madonna at a wrap party at just 15, an unforgettable moment that speaks to his adventurous spirit.

Alongside his film career, David has always been drawn to horticulture. When he got his first garden, he discovered a deep sense of peace in nurturing plants, a passion that has since blossomed. His knowledge spans everything from edible flowers and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to orchids and even butterflies. David has worked in greenhouses, poly tunnels, and more recently, has explored controlled indoor farming using aquaponics and hydroponics. His commitment to sustainable farming and growing practices is at the core of his new venture.

David is an advanced PADI diver with over 150 dives to his name, reflecting his love for exploration and connection to the natural world. He has also served as a school governor at his former secondary school, Westgate in Slough, for three years, and is actively involved in the SFX community, having been Chairman of the BECTU SFX branch and now serving on its grading committee.

David and his wife share a strong commitment to sourcing and producing high-welfare foods, which has led them to their current venture—combining years of hands-on growing expertise with a love for fresh, sustainable ingredients. They are dedicated to providing high-quality, ethically grown produce for those who care deeply about what they eat. At their farm, their two Anatolian Shepherds guard the polytunnel, adding a personal touch to their farm life.

Recently, David’s sister, Sally, has joined the company as the CEO turning this into a family run business. With her leadership, the company is poised for exciting growth, bringing fresh energy and vision to their mission of producing the best ethically grown produce.