Short Courses
Join us throughout the year on a range of short courses. From introducing you to niche subjects to deep-dives in agroecolocial farming practices
The Apricot Centre offer informal and accredited courses in regenerative farming, mental health and wellbeing.
All of our accredited courses are Ofqual registered.
Permaculture Design Certificate 2026/27 weekend course
Dates: 19 September 2026 - 07 February 2027
Details: The Apricot Centre Permaculture Design Course is a part-time, non-residential course delivered over 6 weekends making it perfect for those wishing to study whilst working or who have other commitments. Delivered at Huxhams Cross Farm which has organic and 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.
Using creative and practical teaching methods you will 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.
4-day Introduction to Biodynamics & Agroecology
Dates: Fridays through September - 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Details: A deep introduction into Biodynamic farming methods hosted by the Apricot Centre. A solid grounding in, and introduction to, Biodynamic agriculture theory and practices. Held by Dan Powell of Landbase, the four days will be held on consecutive Fridays at the Apricot Centre, Huxhams Cross Biodynamic Farm with possible visits to other sites.
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Application open to all, but participants from South Hams and West Devon have to be prioritised for funding requirements - which means applying does not automatically guarantee a place - we will be in touch with all applicants.
Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
Dates: 1 evening a week for 6 weeks (Sept. to Oct.) plus 3 Saturday field trips
Details: A foundation in regenerative agriculture, with weekly classroom lectures on topics including soil health and sustainable soil management, alternative markets, climate-adaptive food production and the consequences of industrial farming practices, among others. Sessions will also include a review of regenerative and agroecological farming practices across the UK and internationally and the sociopolitical contexts in which they are adopted and innovated.
Classroom lectures and discussions will be supplemented by three field trips to local regenerative farms. Field trips will be held on Saturdays and include personalised tours & hands-on field activities, such as digging soil pits or planting / pruning trees. Classroom sessions will take place in the evenings, once a week for 2 hours, and may be attended either online or in-person.
Tuesday evenings 6-8pm, plus 3 Saturday field trips, 10am-2pm.
1-day Introduction to Farm Woodland and Trees
Dates: 10th, 17th, & 24th July 2026
Details: Woodlands, big and small, often the forgotten corner of the farm but as often used more than you realise. Often they provide incidental shelter, firewood, soil stability or just places to walk.
- How healthy is your woodland?
- What could you be doing to assure it's long-term health?
- How can you derive income whilst maintaining growth and health? - What should you be doing with young woodland?
- What can you do with the old woodland that came with the farm?
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Application open to all, but participants from South Hams and West Devon have to be prioritised for funding requirements - which means applying does not automatically guarantee a place - we will be in touch with all applicants.
We'll be exploring these subjects at three different locations across three separate dates - WATCH THIS SPACE FOR BOOKING
Business Growth in Farming
Dates: Fri 23rd, Sat 24th, & Sun 25th Oct 2026
Details: A three-day workshop looking at business development in farming and growing by honing your story, understanding effective sales & marketing tools. Leave with a 90 day action plan.
10am till 4pm with a snack break (refreshments provided) and a lunch break (please bring your own). Sessions topics and activities plan to include; Vision, Mission & Business Goals, skills clarity, legal frameworks, direction setting, customer journey, finding & retaining them, marketing planning, and more
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Application open to all, but participants from South Hams and West Devon have to be prioritised for funding requirements - which means applying does not automatically guarantee a place - we will be in touch with all applicants. Further details and instructions will be sent out after acceptance on the course.
Holding the Rains - water in the farming landscape
Dates: June 2026 TBC
Details: Exploring both the bigger picture and on-the-ground solutions to help restore water cycles and manage water shortage and abundance on farms
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Application open to all, but participants from South Hams and West Devon have to be prioritised for funding requirements - which means applying does not automatically guarantee a place - we will be in touch with all applicants. Further details and instructions will be sent out after acceptance on the course.
Introduction to Holistic Livestock Management Techniques
Dates: October 2026 TBC
Details: 4-day course on holistic livestock management techniques hosted on 4 different farms to look at different system setups.
A solid grounding and introduction to Holistic Livestock Management and working with livestock in general, looking at animal behaviour and welfare, input analysis, nutrition, different breeds, handling of meat and dairy, certifications, and even farming through the seasons and different landscapes.
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Application open to all, but participants from South Hams and West Devon have to be prioritised for funding requirements - which means applying does not automatically guarantee a place - we will be in touch with all applicants. Further details and instructions will be sent out after acceptance on the course.
Establishing a Small-Scale Market Garden (¼ Acre Model)
Dates: 2026 dates TBC
Details: This four-day intensive programme introduces learners to the practical, technical, and commercial foundations of establishing a small-scale market garden. It combines ecological production systems, infrastructure planning, business viability, and marketing strategy.
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Application open to all, but participants from South Hams and West Devon have to be prioritised for funding requirements - which means applying does not automatically guarantee a place - we will be in touch with all applicants. Further details and instructions will be sent out after acceptance on the course.