May
17
to May 18

Agroforestry Open Weekend.

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are fortunate enough to be included in the annual Agroforestry Weekend which takes place in May. There will be two tours running - one with the Agroforestry Research Trust - 17th May starting at 10am and one with us at the Apricot Centre on the 18th May, starting at the Green Table on the Dartington Estate at 2pm.

The Agroforestry Open Weekend is coordinated by David Wolfe (Wakelyns) and Rosemary Venn (Coventry University). 

Farmers across the UK, Ireland and beyond, already practising agroforestry in some form, will be opening their gates to the public over 17-20 May weekend. As an annual, grassroots, farmer-led initiative this is an opportunity to share best (and worst!) practices, lessons from the field and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of integrating trees into the farmed landscape first hand. 

If you’re intrigued about this system and want to see it in action, then come along to a farm near you for the Agroforestry Open Weekend. 

To find out who’s participating in your area, how to book and more (including how to open your farm if you have agroforestry yourself), follow the link here: https://agroforestryopenweekend.org/

Or to book directly with the Apricot Centre, please click here

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May
31
2:00 PM14:00

Community Picnic

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

To Welcome the Chelsea Flower Show Microbiome Garden designed by Sid Hill and Chris Hull we are holding a Public Picnic at the Apricot Centre

We would love to see you up at the Farm to come and picnic together and to see the (partially installed!) Microbiome Garden. It would be lovely to see Children there and how they respond to the garden.

The Wellbeing Garden was originally designed by permaculture students to inspire children and families who visit the Apricot Centre, and more recently this will be complemented by an extraordinary Microbiome Garden, flowers and plants good for the gut bacteria and wildlife are soon to be planted! The Microbiome Garden is currently being installed at the Chelsea Flower Show, and by the picnic will have been relocated to the Apricot Centre. And amazing feat of organisation supported by Project Giving Back

The Microbiome garden was designed for Bowel Research UK and funded by Project Giving Back. There will be an official public opening on Saturday 27th July.

An Apricot Centre Hamper Raffle will raise funds to support the considerable relocation fees incurred by the Chelsea Team! So please buy tickets if you are able to alongside booking your picnic. You can bring your own or you can pre-order as part of this ticket. The picnic hamper will be full of gut-friendly-goodies and the winner can collect at a later time of their choosing.

Come and picnic with a billion other microorganisms! 

As we share picknicking together, it will be an opportunity for us to talk about how how plants, microbes, and our own health are all connected. It's going to be a really fun way to feel like we're part of something bigger. We like to think that all the microorganisms will be munching away in the Soil and in our Bellies complimented by the edible flowers planted by Sid and Chris. Their "edible meadow" will combine a selection of plants including Persicaria bistorta, Camassia and Lupinus luteus, which will create a rich tapestry of yellows, blues and pinks.  

If you are interested in the Macrobiome Microbiome relationship - A Farm Walk will take place during the afternoon. And we hope also to have a Talk about the making of the garden and the Microbiome.

You can also order a picnic for either 2 or 4 people online. You are welcome to bring your own hamper/food with you and your family to enjoy some time in the wellbeing space. Booking is required even if you are bringing your own picnic.

Please contact louise.hoskins@apricotcentre.co.uk to book.

For those that can there is a £3 entry fee

Raffle ticket are £1

Pre-ordered picnics are for either 2 or 4 people at £12 or £24. These can be vegetarian or vegan.

Teas and coffees are available for donation.

Please see the Apricot Centre website under events for more information. Please no dogs, car parking available at the Steiner School (for a £1 donation) or Meadowbrook with a 15 min off road walk. Please contact louise.hoskins@apricotcentre for accessibility parking. 

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Jun
14
to Jun 16

Trauma and the Land - Healing Histories, in collaboration with the Apricot Centre

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In collaboration with the Apricot Centre, we are welcoming back Dr Gary Reiss & Emmanuel Karisa Baya for a 3 day seminar connecting with nature and exploring the intersection of trauma, ecology, and the land.

The workshop will include experiences in nature, storytelling, body movement, and developing community leadership and facilitation skills. People attending the workshop are likely to have experienced displacement, wounding or 'disconnect' from their soil or land whether through conflict, climate change, globalisation. Relevant fields are farming or land stewardship, marginalised communities, 'main-streamers' seeking transformation, and the arts.

Set within the stunning location of Schumacher College on the Dartington Estate.

Further details and booking can be found here: https://t.ly/l1PcS

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Mar
19
9:00 AM09:00

Earth Education - Leading Earthwalks. 1 Day Training.

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Earth Education is a model for teaching and experiencing the natural world through playful activities which engage the senses. In the Earthwalks training you will learn group activities that use all the senses to widen your knowledge through observation and felt experience.

Lead by Mark Jefferys who has been involved with the Earth Education Institute for over 30 years. He will guide you in this day training and at the end you will be fully equipped with how to lead an Earthwalk by experiencing it all first hand.

This training will take place outside for it’s entirety so please dress appropriately, it can still be a bit chilly in March and please bring anything you need to be comfortable sitting. Please bring a packed lunch, refreshments will be provided.

Prices are £85 for an individual, £105 for a charity, £130 for a corporation.

To book or to ask for more information, please email louise.hoskins@apricotcentre.co.uk

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Dec
9
10:00 AM10:00

Seasonal Market

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are welcoming back our seasonal market this year on the 9th of December 10am-2pm. Craft stalls and our own veg on sale. We will also be selling soup, cake, and teas to enjoy around a fire. Children can make bird feeders and there will be a farm and a wellbeing tour throughout the day.

Parking is limited so please consider parking at Meadowbrook and walking. There is a 10 min off road footpath that will bring you right to the door.

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Oct
26
10:00 AM10:00

Apple Day

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Apple day is a morning devoted to apples! You can taste up to 15 different varieties, do some juicing, eat apple cake, or both. Activities for children include apple printing, apple games. There is also a Farm Tour at 11am.

If the car park at the Apricot Centre is full, or you are able then please consider parking at either Meadowbrook, The Cider Press Centre (2 hours free) or for a £1 donation, The Steiner School, these are all a 10 min walk on an off road footpath.

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May
24
to May 26

ORFC in the field - Biodynamics and Permaculture Design at Huxhams Cross Farm

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

£150.00 for two days, including lunch (limited to 70 places)
Note: there is an optional day of farm visits on Friday, 26th May

Come and join leading practitioners for two days of hands-on workshops that explore how biodynamic principles and practice and permaculture design can be used at farm scale, and combined to create resilient, productive, financially viable farms that support biodiversity and serve the wider community.

Small groups, guided by leaders in their field, will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn how to make and use biodynamic preparations with Briony Young from Tablehurst Farm

  • Tour Huxhams Cross Farm with Marina O’Connell and learn how permaculture design has been mixed with the principles and practices of biodynamic farming

  • Learn about deep observation methods for farm design and development with Claire Hattersley of Weleda and Bob Mehew from the Apricot Centre

  • Explore how biodynamic principles and practices and permaculture design influence livestock management systems

There will also be the chance to hear talks from Director of the BDA, Gabriel Kaye; taste biodynamic wines and spirits with Limeburn Hill Biodynamic Vineyard; take a tour of Dartington Mill and the Almond Thief Bakery; and be introduced to the therapeutic and well-being work being carried at the Apricot Centre with children and families who work on the farm.

Following the workshops, there is an optional day of farm visits (Friday, 26th May) where you can see biodynamics and permaculture design in practice across the South West.

Meals

Lunches on both days are included in the ticket price. Lunches are provided by Edgy Veggie using Apricot Centre produce. Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking your ticket.

On Wednesday, 24th May, Schumacher College will host a buffet style evening meal for attendees at £20 per person (plus booking fee); you need to book your dinner ticket in advance

On Thursday, 25th May, there is an optional pizza dinner out at New Lion Brewery (around £12 a pizza). Attendees can purchase their food and drink at the brewery on the night, but please indicate if you will be joining dinner out when booking so we can make a reservation accordingly.

Parking

Parking is available at The Cider Press Centre overspill car park, TQ9 6TQ. There will be a shuttle bus available between the car park and farm at the start and end of each day. There will be a small daily fee for use of the shuttle bus service.

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May
13
1:00 PM13:00
nature connection

Dartington Bioblitz & Farm Open Day

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

DARTINGTON BIOBLITZ

Hosted by the Apricot Centre for the local community, enthusiasts, experts, children, families.

1-5pm on the Farm on 13th May. However there are events before and after. More details on the Eventbrite ticket link.

The Bioblitz is hosted at the Apricot Centre for the Heart of Dartington. A fun afternoon of community citizen-science, appreciating and recording biodiversity and wildlife at the Heart of Dartington. Join Prof Bill Sutherland CBE (Miriam Rothschild Professor of Conservation Biology) and Nicola Crockford (RSPB) with other local ecologists, enthusiasts and experts. A Bioblitz is a public event aimed at recording as many different types of flora and fauna as possible in this case with experts in the field alongside citizen science and people with interest and passion in the community.

Please notes: Main Event on Farm is 1-5pm, but there are activities listed in the morning, late afternoon (Meadowbrook) and evening (Bat walk)

(We kindly request that no dogs are brought to the farm)

Getting there: There is limited parking available at the farm so, if you can, we encourage you to walk or cycle from South Devon Steiner School Car Park (TQ9 6TQ) or Meadowbrook Car Park (TQ9 6JD) . There will be a limited number of parking spaces at the Apricot Centre for people with access issues. There is a map below which shows the walking routes and times from these car parks. Our Address is: The Apricot Centre, Huxhams Cross Farm, Rattery Lane, Dartington. TQ9 6AA.

Bioblitz gathering place - We will identify what is found in and around the Apricot Centre. Open Farm Walks will be woven in together with biodiversity walks during the day.

Food and refreshments will be available on sale from 1-4pm at the Farm Venue. Scrumptious food foraged and cooked up by our fabulous Hannah Walker - Forager, Dietician and Nutritionist

iNaturalist - Download the app and start taking photos in advance and during the Bioblitz

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/dartington-devon-bioblitz-may-2023

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May
13
10:30 AM10:30
nature connection

Visit Martin Crawford's Littlehempston Agroforestry Research site (&Magic Greenhouse)

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

VISIT “MAGIC GREENHOUSE” & LITTLEHEMPSTON SITE

Hosted by the Apricot Centre for the local community (and others interested) - Part-funded by Dartington Prish Council for the Herat of Dartington.

The Heart of Dartington has been funded by Dartington Parish Council to enable local members of the community have an opportunity to visit Martin Crawford's research sites. So many local say that despite living here they haven't managed to visit before. Here is your chance - Also open to non-locals!

This is an invitation to book at a lower rate than usual. Why not do this in the morning and then come straight on to the Bioblitz at the Apricot Centre Farm.

Martin Crawford's Littlehempston Agroforestry Research site - No dogs please.

This is our newest site, obtained in 2011, covering 11 acres. The tour here takes in three new forest gardens (a small garden started in 2012, a medium sized garden in 2013, and forest garden to maximise carbon storage started in 2019/20), our forest garden greenhouse (started 2016) with a subtropical forest garden being established inside, experimental coppice plantings, and the nursery.

You only need to book adult places on this tour. Accompanied children come for free.

Directions

Directions to ART Littlehempston siteNearest postcode TQ9 6NA1 kmLat/long: 50.458361, -3.677006What3words: advantage.appealing.down

Please access the detailed Map of how to get to the Littlehempston site here. https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/research-site-tours/

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Apr
22
to Apr 23

Eco-nomics of Permaculture

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A two-day course facilitated by Bob Mehew £120

How to bring about sustainable change in our food systems we need more small-scale farms producing healthy food; Permaculture Design methods can create such farms.

However there is one limitation for developing these farms and that is generating enough income to support right livelihoods. Grant funding is next to none for these starter farms and therefore the most effective yet sustainable way for them to thrive is to generate enough income for those working on them to support themselves and develop the farm or food business.

This two-day course looks at designing and implementing small farms for commercial success using the Apricot Centre’s Huxhams Cross Farm as an example with the potential replication for your own land. The course covers;

agricultural systems,

business planning, budgeting,

project management,

marketing,

accessing funding,

business basics (payroll, accountancy), and personal and team level resilience.

Practical exercises throughout to explore how to apply to your own business.

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Supper Club
Apr
20
6:00 PM18:00

Supper Club

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Dietician, plant-based cook and foraging extraordinaire Hannah Walker for vegetarian feast freshly picked from our biodynamic farm.

Explore the farm, enjoy the views and sample local juices and cordials made at the farm. You can also buy store cupboard staples such as our locally farm grown flour, jams and chutneys and seasonal bunches of flowers.

For our April meal, we'll enjoy a a seasonal stew with wild garlic pesto and something sweet for dessert. Soft drinks will be available or you can bring your own alcoholic drinks.

Third Thursday of the month between April - September

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Mar
25
to Mar 26

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

£120 per person 12 spaces available

Wildlife tracking is an ancient science and art - one that humans once relied upon for survival. Tracking involves a range of skills such as identifying the animal that left the clue, working out what it was doing and when, and even finding the animal itself. It is a great way to hone our ability to observe details around us and to build our knowledge of wildlife, specifically their presence, movements and feeding ecology.

This course is helpful in measuring impact of regenerative methods being used on farms and small holdings to measure your biodiversity or as a wonderful skill to learn when out in the local countryside.

The course will be run by David Wege who teaches nature tracking for the Field Studies Council and with Woodcraft School Ltd. He has done this for the last 8 years, having now left behind a 30-year career in international biodiversity conservation with BirdLife International. David is a life-long, passionate birdwatcher, wildlife photographer and all-round naturalist.

This 2-day course will

Introduce tracking as a science and art that can deepen our connection, appreciation and understanding of our wildlife.

Introduce mammal and bird foot morphology and how that relates to the tracks we find in the field, and helps us identify the track maker.

Introduce commonly-found wildlife sign (droppings, homes and beds, feeding signs, scrapes and rubs, trails, feathers, hair and bones), how to identify these and what they tell us about the animals that left them.

This course will balance classroom-led and outdoor learning opportunities, focusing on building introductory knowledge of wildlife tracks and signs, and the identification/ understanding of some examples of these that we will endeavour to find in areas within and around Huxhams Cross Farm.

This course is not residential

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Mar
11
to Apr 16

Introduction to Biodynamics

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE TAKES PLACE OVER TWO WEEKENDS

11th and 12th March and 15th and 16th April- £250 for all 4 days

Biodynamic Farming was the first form of ecological farming system, first appearing in 1924. It has been proved to be one of the most sustainable forms of farming with the highest levels of soil biodiversity found on farms.

This course is designed for the gardener, grower, or farmer who wants to learn more about the principles and practices of biodynamic systems in a simple and practical way. It is approved by the Biodynamic Board of Studies. You will cover;

  • the context of biodynamic systems and the Demeter regulations.

  • the practices of biodynamic systems.

  • the use of the preparations, and the calendar in both a practical and theoretical manner

  • how the preparations are made by working local biodynamic practitioners who will give an insight into the preparations and their uses.

The course will be held on a registered biodynamic farm and will enable you to carry out some biodynamic systems on your own land.

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Jan
9
4:00 PM16:00

Permaculture Design Certificate 2023-2024

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SEPTEMBER 2022 - FEBRUARY 2021
£864 INCL VAT FOR 12 DAYS OVER 6 WEEKENDS

Concessions may be available upon request

The Apricot Centre Permaculture Design Course is a part-time, non-residential course that takes place over 6 weekends between September 2021 - February 2022, making it perfect for those wishing to study whilst working or who have other commitments.

The course runs in bite-sized chunks so that you can digest the information and self-study between the sessions. The course is unique in that it is based at Huxhams Cross Farm which has biodynamic status. The farm is a demonstration permaculture site and a rare example of farm-scale permaculture in action; this enables us to show practical examples of permaculture on-site as well as visiting other permaculture designed sites in South Devon.

Our Permaculture Design Course uses creative and practical teaching methods to enable you to develop and experience the principles and practices of permaculture design, with emphasis on guiding you to design in groups and individually with support from your tutors. This structure equips you with the skills to go on to design and implement your own larger farms, smallholding, community gardens, or even your back garden.

The 12-day course covers:

  • Permaculture principles & ethics

  • Renewable energy & sustainable building

  • Simple vegetable growing and fruit growing

  • Soil management & fertility

  • Forest gardening

  • Simple livestock management

  • Transition movement

  • Design skills

  • Visits to inspirational sites

This course is not residential

Dates for this course are:-

9 and 10 Sept

7 and 8 Oct

11 and 12 Nov

2 and 3 Dec

13 and 14 Jan

10 and 11 Feb

The course is run by Marina O’Connell and Bob Mehew, the doctors of the Apricot Centre. Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm from its start, he is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

Rachel Phillips is an Ethnobotanist, Educator and Nature Connection Practitioner

Bob Mehew is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm from its start, he is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

View Event →
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking
Oct
22
to Oct 23

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

  • Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

Wildlife tracking is an ancient science and art - one that humans once relied upon for survival. Tracking involves a range of skills such as identifying the animal that left the clue, working out what it was doing and when, and even finding the animal itself. It is a great way to hone our ability to observe details around us and to build our knowledge of wildlife, specifically their presence, movements and feeding ecology.

View Event →
Introduction to Agroforestry
Sep
24
to Sep 25
April 2021

Introduction to Agroforestry

£144 inc VAT

Introduction to Agroforestry returns in 2022 in memory of Martin Wolfe.  We created a course that combines Martin's  lectures as well as Marina’s experience of implementing Agroforestry and designing Agroforestry  systems for other Farms. 

“Agroforestry is both a traditional practice and a modern practice”. It has undergone a renewal and uptake for modern sustainable farming methods over the last 30-40 years. The name ‘Agroforestry’ was created in 1977 to describe the deliberate use of incorporating trees into farming practice.

The course will be run by Marina O’Connell who  is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer.  She has over 30-years worth of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems including designing and implementing agroforestry systems on 3 farms. 

This 2-day course will equip you with an overview in how to;

  • Types of Agroforestry systems and what they look like

  • Design of Agroforestry systems, including tree choices

  • Implementation of Agroforestry systems

  • Manage  agroforestry systems. 

  • Benefits and Challenges of Agroforestry. 

The course will lead you through designing and planning your own agroforestry system.

We will visit 4 agroforestry systems on the Dartington Hall Estate, incorporating Alley Cropping, the Forest Garden at Martin Crawford’s Agroforestry Research Centre, and the new Agroforestry plots at the Schumacher College at Huxhams Cross Farm.

This course is not residential.

Course run by

Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

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Permaculture Design Course - COURSE FULL
Sep
10
to Feb 12
September 2021, February 2022

Permaculture Design Course - COURSE FULL

September 2022 - February 2021
£864 incl VAT for 12 days over 6 weekends

Concessions may be available upon request

The Apricot Centre Permaculture Design Course is a part-time, non-residential course that takes place over 6 weekends between September 2021 - February 2022, making it perfect for those wishing to study whilst working or who have other commitments.

The course runs in bite-sized chunks so that you can digest the information and self-study between the sessions. The course is unique in that it is based at Huxhams Cross Farm which has biodynamic status. The farm is a demonstration permaculture site and a rare example of farm-scale permaculture in action; this enables us to show practical examples of permaculture on-site as well as visiting other permaculture designed sites in South Devon.

Our Permaculture Design Course uses creative and practical teaching methods to enable you to develop and experience the principles and practices of permaculture design, with emphasis on guiding you to design in groups and individually with support from your tutors. This structure equips you with the skills to go on to design and implement your own larger farms, smallholding, community gardens, or even your back garden.

The 12-day course covers:

  • Permaculture principles & ethics

  • Renewable energy & sustainable building

  • Simple vegetable growing and fruit growing

  • Soil management & fertility

  • Forest gardening

  • Simple livestock management

  • Transition movement

  • Design skills

  • Visits to inspirational sites

The course is run by Marina O’Connell and Bob Mehew, the doctors of the Apricot Centre. Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm from its start, he is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

Rachel Phillips is an Ethnobotanist and Nature Connection Practioner

This course is not residential

For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via

12 week schedule

The course is certified by the Permaculture Association of Britain. This is a qualification recognised by the permaculture community internationally.

Course Run By

Bob Mehew

Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm from its start, he is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

FIND OUT MORE

Marina O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

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Rachel Phillips

Rachel Phillips is an Educator, Nature Connection Practitioner and Ethnobotanist.

FIND OUT MORE

View Event →
Economics of Permaculture
Apr
9
to Apr 10
April 2021

Economics of Permaculture

£144 INCL VAT AND REFRESHMENTS

A two-day course facilitated by Bob Mehew

To bring about sustainable change in our food systems we need more small-scale farms producing healthy food; Permaculture Design methods can create such farms.

However there is one limitation for developing these farms and that is generating enough income to support right livelihoods. Grant funding is next to none for these starter farms and therefore the most effective yet sustainable way for them to thrive is to generate enough income for those working on them to support themselves and develop the farm or food business.

This two-day course looks at designing and implementing small farms for commercial success using the Apricot Centre’s Huxhams Cross Farm as an example with the potential replication for your own land. The course covers;

  •  agricultural systems, 

  • business planning, budgeting,

  •  project management, 

  • marketing, 

  • accessing funding,

  •  business basics (payroll, accountancy), and personal and team level resilience. 

  • Practical exercises throughout to explore how to apply to your own business.

Course run by

View Event →
Introduction to Biodynamic Farming and Growing with Marina O’Connell
Mar
19
to Apr 24
April 2021

Introduction to Biodynamic Farming and Growing with Marina O’Connell

WhatsApp Image 2021-10-04 at 09.01.58.jpeg

£250 incl VAT PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE TAKES PLACE OVER 2 WEEKENDS SATURDAY 19th -SUNDAY 20th MARCH and SATURDAY 23rd- SUNDAY 24th APRIL

Biodynamic Farming was the first form of ecological farming system, first appearing in 1924. It has been proved to be one of the most sustainable forms of farming with the highest levels of soil biodiversity found on farms.

This  course is designed for the gardener, grower, or farmer who wants to learn more about the principles and practices of biodynamic systems in a simple and practical way.  It is approved by the Biodynamic Board of Studies. You will cover;

  • the context of biodynamic systems and the Demeter regulations. 

  • the practices of biodynamic systems.

  • the use of the preparations, and the calendar in both a practical and theoretical manner

  • how  the preparations are made by working local biodynamic practitioners who will give an insight into the preparations and their uses. 

The course will be held on a registered biodynamic farm and will enable you to carry out some biodynamic systems on your own land.

Please note that this course takes place over two weekends. For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via:

Course run by

Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

View Event →
Introduction to Agroforestry and Design with Marina O'Connell
Sep
24
to Sep 25
September 2021

Introduction to Agroforestry and Design with Marina O'Connell

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£180 incl VAT including refreshments

Introduction to Agroforestry and Design returns in 2021 in memory of Martin Wolfe.  We created a course that combines Martin's  lectures as well as Marina’s experience of implementing Agroforestry and designing Agroforestry  systems for other Farms. 

“Agroforestry is both a traditional practice and a modern practice”. It has undergone a renewal and uptake for modern sustainable farming methods over the last 30-40 years. The name ‘Agroforestry’ was created in 1977 to describe the deliberate use of incorporating trees into farming practice.

The course will be run by Marina O’Connell who  is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer.  She has over 30-years worth of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems including designing and implementing agroforestry systems on 3 farms. 

This 3-day course will equip you with an overview in how to;

  • Types of Agroforestry systems and what they look like

  • Design of Agroforestry systems, including tree choices

  • Implementation of Agroforestry systems

  • Manage  agroforestry systems. 

  • Benefits and Challenges of Agroforestry. 

The course will lead you through designing and planning your own agroforestry system.

We will visit 4 agroforestry systems on the Dartington Hall Estate, incorporating Alley Cropping, the Forest Garden at Martin Crawford’s Agroforestry Research Centre, and the new Agroforestry plots at the Schumacher College at Huxhams Cross Farm.

This course is not residential.

For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via:

Course run by

Apricot images19.jpg

Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

View Event →
Introduction to Permaculture with Bob Mehew
Sep
11
to Sep 12
September 2021

Introduction to Permaculture with Bob Mehew

IMG_1622.jpg

£120 incl VAT and refreshments

An excellent way to find out more about permaculture is to attend our two-day introductory course. This ‘taster’ will provide an opportunity to actively learn about the principles and see examples of designs being implemented.

Come along and learn what Permaculture is and what it can do for you and your current lifestyle. This course is suitable for you if you have a smallholding, small garden, allotment, and even if you are not growing food. It’s a great opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded people

The course provides the opportunity to discuss vitally important issues in a positive, creative, and supportive space. The course is lively, participatory, and thought-provoking.

The session include:

  • Ethics & principles

  • Design

  • Examples of Permaculture

  • An observation exercise

  • A practical exercise or walk

  • An overview of the permaculture network and how to find out more.

Our introductory course doesn’t cover all the topics in-depth - it is a taster and an overview. Therefore if you already know you want to find out about permaculture in more detail, it may be better to opt for the full permaculture design course after the introduction course. However, others have found that attending the introduction to permaculture course was enough - with the enthusiasm generated from the course, plus books and their own knowledge, people have gone on to create some incredible projects and business development.

This course is not residential.

For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via

Course run by

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Bob Mehew

Bob Mehew will be the tutor, he is also one of our directors at the Apricot Centre. Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm. He is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

FIND OUT MORE

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Permaculture Design Course with Bob Mehew & Marina O'Connell
Sep
11
to Oct 9
September 2021, February 2022

Permaculture Design Course with Bob Mehew & Marina O'Connell

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September 2021 - February 2022
£720 incl VAT for 12 days over 6 weekends

Concessions may be available upon request

The Apricot Centre Permaculture Design Course is a part-time, non-residential course that takes place over 6 weekends between September 2021 - February 2022, making it perfect for those wishing to study whilst working or who have other commitments.

The course runs in bite-sized chunks so that you can digest the information and self-study between the sessions. The course is unique in that it is based at Huxhams Cross Farm which has biodynamic status. The farm is a demonstration permaculture site and a rare example of farm-scale permaculture in action; this enables us to show practical examples of permaculture on-site as well as visiting other permaculture designed sites in South Devon.

Our Permaculture Design Course uses creative and practical teaching methods to enable you to develop and experience the principles and practices of permaculture design, with emphasis on guiding you to design in groups and individually with support from your tutors. This structure equips you with the skills to go on to design and implement your own larger farms, smallholding, community gardens, or even your back garden.

The 12-day course covers:

  • Permaculture principles & ethics

  • Renewable energy & sustainable building

  • Simple vegetable growing and fruit growing

  • Soil management & fertility

  • Forest gardening

  • Simple livestock management

  • Transition movement

  • Design skills

  • Visits to inspirational sites

The course is run by Marina O’Connell and Bob Mehew, the doctors of the Apricot Centre. Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm from its start, he is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development. Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

This course is not residential

For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via

12 week schedule

Dates of the Course

  • 11th & 12th September 2021

  • 9th & 10th October 2021

  • 13th & 14th November 2021

  • 11th & 12th December 2021

  • 8th & 9th January 2022

  • 12th & 13th February 2022

The course is certified by the Permaculture Association of Britain. This is a qualification recognised by the permaculture community internationally.

Course Run By

Bob+Mehew+Mugshot.jpg

Bob Mehew

Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm from its start, he is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

FIND OUT MORE

Apricot images19.jpg

Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

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ECO-nomics of Permaculture: Creating Sustainable Livelihoods
Apr
24
to Apr 25
April 2021

ECO-nomics of Permaculture: Creating Sustainable Livelihoods

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£120 incl VAT and refreshments

A two-day course facilitated by Bob Mehew

To bring about sustainable change in our food systems we need more small-scale farms producing healthy food; Permaculture Design methods can create such farms.

However there is one limitation for developing these farms and that is generating enough income to support right livelihoods. Grant funding is next to none for these starter farms and therefore the most effective yet sustainable way for them to thrive is to generate enough income for those working on them to support themselves and develop the farm or food business.

This two-day course looks at designing and implementing small farms for commercial success using the Apricot Centre’s Huxhams Cross Farm as an example with the potential replication for your own land. The course covers;

  •  agricultural systems, 

  • business planning, budgeting,

  •  project management, 

  • marketing, 

  • accessing funding,

  •  business basics (payroll, accountancy), and personal and team level resilience. 

  • Practical exercises throughout to explore how to apply to your own business.

For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via:

Course run by

Bob+Mehew+Mugshot.jpg

Bob Mehew

Bob Mehew will be the tutor, he is also one of our directors at the Apricot Centre. Bob is a project manager and has managed the development of the Huxhams Cross Farm. He is an expert in using permaculture design for projects and business development.

FIND OUT MORE

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Introduction to Agroforestry @ Wakelyns Farm with Marina O'Connell
Apr
24
to Apr 25
September 2021

Introduction to Agroforestry @ Wakelyns Farm with Marina O'Connell

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£145 inc VAT including refreshments.

A two day course Facilitated by Marina O'Connell 

“Agroforestry is both a traditional practice, and a modern practice. It has undergone a renewal and uptake for modern sustainable farming methods over the last 30-40 years The name of "agroforestry" was created in the 1977 to describe the deliberate use of incorporating trees into farming practice”

Agroforestry integrates trees into farming practice.  It creates farming landscapes that are; productive, resilient to climate change, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity. Wakelyns Farm is one of the most mature agroforestry systems in the UK created by the late Martin and Ann Wolfe. Come and learn and be inspired by the Agroforestry systems at Wakelyns farm in a practical and experiential context. 

This two day course will equip you with an overview in how to design, implement and manage an agroforestry system. Starting with an introduction to Agroforestry and its benefits the course will lead you through designing and planning your own agroforestry system. Marina O'Connell created  this course in partnership with the late Martin Wolfe in 2018. This course will combine some of his adapted  lectures and  presentations, as well as Marina's experience of working alongside Martin and setting up her own farms with Agroforestry methodologies. Half of the course will be theoretical  and the other half will be spent exploring the practicalities of Agroforestry.

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturist, permaculture designer, tutor, and has been a commercial organic and biodynamic farmer for 25 years. She has over 30 years of experience of training and growing in sustainable food systems including designing and implementing agroforestry systems on three farms. She is the director of the Apricot Centre at Huxhams Cross Farm in Dartington Devon. 

Venue

Wakelyns Farm, Fressingfield, Suffolk. IP21 5SD see  www.wakelyns.co.uk

Optional Extras

Meals

Breakfast £8.50
Tea and coffee, YQ and Q sourdough bread, Wakelyns harvest loaf cake OR Wakelyns porridge OR YQ and plum granola, Fruit and jams from the farm, Fen Farm Dairy yoghurt and butter

Lunch £18 per day
YQ and Q sourdough bread, Fen Farm Dairy butter, Seasonal salads, Seasonal deep quiches with local cheese, Farm pickles and chutneys. Legumes from the farm and Hodmedods. Fruit from the farm and YQ biscuits 

Dinner  £25 for Saturday Vegetarian Dinner
Including a main course and pudding.

Accommodation at Wakelyns Farm

Is  available on the farm in a self contained pod - Each pod comes with electricity, heating, sink with hot and cold running water, electric hob with kettle etc for coffee/tea making, fridge, en-suite toilet and full bedding. Full showers and further toilets are available on site.

Double bed £60 per night per pod 
 (i.e. for a single person or a couple)

Two double beds £90 per night per pod
(i.e. two singles or two couples)

Course run by

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Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

View Event →
Introduction to Biodynamic Farming and Growing with Marina O’Connell
Apr
10
to Apr 11
April 2021

Introduction to Biodynamic Farming and Growing with Marina O’Connell

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£250 incl VAT and refreshments

Biodynamic Farming was the first form of ecological farming system, first appearing in 1924. It has been proved to be one of the most sustainable forms of farming with the highest levels of soil biodiversity found on farms.

This  course is designed for the gardener, grower, or farmer who wants to learn more about the principles and practices of biodynamic systems in a simple and practical way.  It is approved by the Biodynamic Board of Studies. You will cover;

  • the context of biodynamic systems and the Demeter regulations. 

  • the practices of biodynamic systems.

  • the use of the preparations, and the calendar in both a practical and theoretical manner

  • how  the preparations are made by working local biodynamic practitioners who will give an insight into the preparations and their uses. 

The course will be held on a registered biodynamic farm and will enable you to carry out some biodynamic systems on your own land.

Please note that this course takes place over two weekends. For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via:

Course run by

Apricot images19.jpg

Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

View Event →
Mar
13
to Mar 14
March 2021

Introduction to Biodynamic Farming and Growing with Marina O’Connell

IMG_6731.jpg

£250 incl VAT and refreshments

Biodynamic Farming was the first form of ecological farming system, first appearing in 1924. It has been proved to be one of the most sustainable forms of farming with the highest levels of soil biodiversity found on farms.

This  course is designed for the gardener, grower, or farmer who wants to learn more about the principles and practices of biodynamic systems in a simple and practical way.  It is approved by the Biodynamic Board of Studies. You will cover;

  • the context of biodynamic systems and the Demeter regulations. 

  • the practices of biodynamic systems.

  • the use of the preparations, and the calendar in both a practical and theoretical manner

  • how  the preparations are made by working local biodynamic practitioners who will give an insight into the preparations and their uses. 

The course will be held on a registered biodynamic farm and will enable you to carry out some biodynamic systems on your own land.

Please note that this course takes place over two weekends. For more information please contact Rachel Phillips or book via:

Course run by

Apricot images19.jpg

Marina Brown-O’Connell

Marina O’Connell is a horticulturalist, permaculture designer, tutor, and biodynamic farmer. She has over 30-years of experience in training and growing in sustainable food systems.

FIND OUT MORE

View Event →