£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

£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

£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

£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

£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