The Founders
Our Story
At The Apricot Centre, our story is rooted in family, community and a deep commitment to the land. Founding members Marina O'Connell and Mark O'Connell shared a bold and heartfelt vision: to create a place where regenerative farming, therapeutic support and community connection could flourish together.
Their journey began on a small farm, where their ideas first took practical shape through food growing, ecological stewardship and therapeutic work rooted in nature. What started as a family endeavour gradually grew into a living model of how farming and wellbeing could be meaningfully woven together.
In 2015, they took on the farm at Huxhams Cross, marking a significant new chapter in the Centre’s development. More land brought greater opportunity to expand agroecological farming, deepen therapeutic provision and create educational programmes grounded in seasonal rhythms and relationship with the natural world. From this point, their shared vision became embedded in the landscape itself and in the growing community that formed around it.
Marina O'Connell
Marina shaped the heart and direction of the Centre with warmth, insight and unwavering dedication. Following her passing in September 2024, we continue to carry her vision forward with gratitude and care.
Mark O'Connell
Mark played an essential role in establishing and developing the Centre’s wellbeing ethos. He championed the integration of therapeutic practice with land-based learning and held a deep belief in the healing power of nature. While he has now stepped back from day-to-day involvement at the Apricot Centre, he remains a valued member of the director team, committed to the founding principles.