Asparagus from a farm in the Wye Valley appeared in shops a month earlier than expected this year, thanks to revolutionary growing methods, and some good spring weather.

Marks and Spencer have worked with its asparagus grower, John Chinn of Cobrey Farms, near Ross-on-Wye, to develop a new way of growing British asparagus and extend the traditional UK season by growing the vegetable under tunnels and using new cold resistant varieties, so the crop doesn’t need to be heated to launch earlier.

John Chinn pioneered the environmentally friendly production system that includes harnessing the sun’s energy - not artificial heat, to stimulate crop growth, and the use of water-capture whereby water run-off from the farm is channelled using a network of grass-lined water-ways, that are then captured into an on-farm reservoir and the water used again on the farm – reducing soil erosion and water usage.

John Chinn, commented: “We are really excited to have our British asparagus ready this early as it means customers can enjoy this lovely delicacy a whole month longer than the traditional season. We really want to drive the British asparagus industry forward and do this in the most sustainable and natural way.”

British asparagus is not normally in season until late April or early May, but the crop became available in M&S stores in the last week of March, earlier than any other retailer.

A spokesperson for M&S told the Ross Gazette: “Being able to source British grown asparagus for a longer period reduces the carbon footprint and provides crucial support for the UK farming industry.”

The UK grown asparagus is considered to be sweeter and more flavoursome than imported varieties, and M&S is predicting a bumper year.

M&S vegetable expert, Chris Ling, says: “There is always an air of excitement when the first British asparagus comes into season as it signals the beginning of spring. This year our customers will be able to enjoy it even sooner.”