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 2027 weekend course
Dates: 13 February - 18 July 2027 (every second weekend)
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.
Regen Womenfolk Workshop “Land Goddesses”
Dates: 30-31st Jan 2027 and 27-28th Feb 2027
Details: Hello Women in regenerative agriculture, come along for a few days together with other women in regen who ‘get it’. These days have been sculpted in response to what other women in regen have requested. We will focus on positive creative solutions and a celebration of all that we do, while creating a safe space to discuss and acknowledge some of the challenges we face. Over the 2 weekends we will focus on…
Leadership skills - confidence, telling our stories, dealing with challenging conversations etc.
Communication skills through social media and other platforms.
How to find our power within our own natural cycles and diverse brains
Farming whilst caring for kin, and farming solo
The two weekends will allow for plenty of opportunity to connect with other fabulous women on the land, share our wisdoms and our concerns. You will be fed and have fun, whilst enjoying the company of some pretty awesome other women. I’m looking forward to seeing you there, Hannah Thorogood.
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: 2027 dates TBC
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.
For residents of South Hams & West Devon this is a FREE course. Email admin.support@apricotcentre.co.uk to book your place if you live within these areas, or click the link below if you live outside of the catchment.
Business Growth in Farming
Dates: Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th, & Sunday 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: 21st - 23rd January 2027
Details: Exploring both the bigger picture and on-the-ground solutions to help restore water cycles and manage water shortage and abundance on farms
With teaching happening at the Apricot Centre farm and including a field trip to a local farm to learn about the different ways the owners there are engaging with, harnessing, and managing water for their needs. This course is for anyone looking to understand more about water and how we work with it in increasingly unpredictable weather and its extremes.
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: Four Fridays - Jan 29th, Feb 5th, 12th, 19th 2027
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: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of November 2026
Details: This four-day introduction covers the practical, technical, and commercial foundations of establishing a small-scale market garden. Bringing together ecological production systems, infrastructure planning, business viability, and marketing strategy.
Whether you're a new entrant to market gardening, a smallholder or land-based entrepreneur exploring sustainable pathways, a hospitality grower or chef-developing a farm-to-table enterprise, or part of a community growing project or CSA initiative, this course is designed to support your journey. We’re also welcoming those keen to develop regenerative horticulture enterprises grounded in practical skills and ecological principles.
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.