About Neil Charlton
The story behind the garden, the chillies, the music, and the mindfulness — from Otley, West Yorkshire.
My Story
I'm Neil Charlton, and I live in Otley — a market town on the banks of the River Wharfe in West Yorkshire. The pace of life here allows me to pursue the things I'm truly passionate about. What started as a few vegetable beds and a curiosity about growing food evolved into a life built around growing, creating, and being present.
Over the years, I've developed a deep love for organic vegetable gardening, become slightly obsessed with growing the world's hottest chillies, discovered the creative joy of electronic music production, and found grounding through mindfulness practice. Otley provides the perfect environment for all of it.
Background & Credentials
My approach to everything I do is rooted in curiosity and experimentation. I'm largely self-taught — learning by doing, reading voraciously, and connecting with communities of like-minded people both locally in Otley and online.
I believe in sharing what I learn. This website is my way of documenting my journey and hopefully helping others who share similar interests.
Why Otley?
Otley is a special place. Nestled in the Wharfe Valley with Otley Chevin Forest Park on the doorstep, it's a town with a strong sense of community and a genuine connection to the landscape. The weekly market, the independent shops, the river walks — there's a quality of life here that feeds directly into everything I do.
The local growing conditions — sheltered by the Chevin, with fertile Wharfedale soil — are ideal for gardening, and the quiet evenings are perfect for losing myself in music production or sitting in meditation. The Otley community has been incredibly supportive, from fellow allotment holders to the local arts and wellness scene.
When I'm not in the garden or the studio, you'll find me walking along the Wharfe, browsing Otley's independent bookshops, or having coffee in one of the town's many cafes.
My Philosophy
I believe in the power of slow, intentional living. In a world that constantly demands more, faster, louder — I've found that the most fulfilling things come from patience, attention, and care. Whether it's waiting months for a chilli to ripen, spending hours on a single synth patch, or sitting quietly watching the Wharfe flow past, the reward is in the process.
Connect With Me
You can find me on various platforms. I'd love to connect with fellow growers, producers, and mindfulness practitioners — whether you're in Otley or anywhere in the world.