The Apricot Centre Permaculture Design Course is a part-time, non-residential course making it perfect for those wishing to study whilst working or have family commitments.

The course runs in bite size chunks so that you can digest the information, and self-study between the sessions. The course is unique in that is based at Huxhams Cross Farm which is in conversion to biodynamic status, it 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 go on to design and implement your own larger farms, smallholdings, community gardens or even your back garden.

The 12 day course covers:

· Permaculture principles and ethics
· Renewable energy and sustainable building
· Simple vegetable growing and fruit growing
. Soil management and 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, directors of the Apricot Centre. Bob is a project manager and has project managed the development of the new Huxhams Cross farm, he is an expert at using permaculture design for projects and business development. Marina O’Connell is a horticulturist, permaculture designer, tutor and a biodynamic farmer. She has over 30 years of experience of training and growing in sustainable food systems.

The course is certified by the Permaculture Association of Britain. This is a qualification recognised by the permaculture community internationally.