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
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 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.