Free courses for budding regenerative farmers & growers

The Apricot Centre CIC is an organic, regenerative, Biodynamic, permaculture-designed farm and education centre in Dartington, Devon. They offer accredited, fully funded short and long courses in organic regenerative agriculture and agroecology practices for both new entrants and established farmers and growers - welcoming applications from all diverse backgrounds and life experiences. 

See below for details on their currents offerings:

Level 2 Skills Bootcamp in organic regenerative agriculture

When: Cohort 1: Wednesdays 12th Sept - 2 Dec 2025 / Cohort 2: Wednesdays 7th January - 25th March 2026

Where: Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm, Dartington, Devon

Cost: FREE for Devon residents, subject to Skills Bootcamps funding criteria (application of learning to business)

A foundational 12-week course in organic regenerative agriculture that covers soil ecology, plant ecology, agroforestry, agroecology, business diversification and an introduction to permaculture. Cohort 1 includes holistic livestock management, Biodynamics and business skills, while Cohort 2 includes practical horticulture and crop care. The course is great for anyone starting out or converting to organic regenerative farming, and is a good foundation for further training and education. The course is certified and accredited by Crossfields as a Level 2.

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Level 3 Skills Bootcamp in Agroecological Systems Design

When: Mondays 5th January - 23rd March 2026 

Where: Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm, Dartington, Devon

Cost: FREE for Devon residents, subject to Skills Bootcamps funding criteria (application of learning to business)

With a focus on designing agroecology systems and applying permaculture and regenerative business principles, the course is a deep dive into permaculture, including people and the built environment, as well as looking at business skills, culminating in a PDC-level design assignment. The course is certified and accredited by Crossfields as a Level 3.

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Level 4 Skills Bootcamp in Agroecological Systems Design

When: Fridays 19th December 2025 - 30th March 2026

Where: Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm, Dartington, Devon

Cost: FREE for Devon residents, subject to Skills Bootcamps funding criteria (application of learning to business)

The course focuses on permaculture design skills specifically as well as a deep dive into strategic and operational regenerative business skills. It includes a permaculture diploma-level design assignment as well as a business analysis. The course is certified and accredited by Crossfields as a Level 4.

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Level 3 Yearlong Diploma with Work Experience in organic regenerative agriculture

When: 15th January - 17th December 2026, with two days per week (Thursday fixed plus Wed or Fri) 

Where: Apricot Centre CIC, Huxhams Cross Farm, Dartington, Devon and on rotation with different placement farms for work experience days in the wider area

Cost: FREE for anyone with right to live and work in the UK

A yearlong immersion into organic regenerative agriculture, the course takes an in-depth look at a wide range of topics, from soil science to holistic livestock through agroforestry and water management, and much more (see link below). It also includes an integrated Permaculture Design Diploma. This curriculum is augmented by one day per week work experience, where students will either organise something for themselves or take up the Apricot Centre’s offering of a rotation through 4 farms of different themes of their choice, from general market gardens and mixed farms to specific specialisations like cut flowers, mushrooms and even tea growing. Have a look at the website for more information.

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