Since 2009, the Apricot Centre has been involved with organic and biodynamic growing and associated training and design consultancy and has been based at the current Huxhams Cross Farm site since 2015.
The Apricot Centre has improved their training building at Huxhams Cross Farm with the help of £279,180 in capital programme funding.
The upgraded facilities are already supporting greater participation in training and education. More than 300 students a year study at the Apricot Centre across a range of courses, with the expanded training space increasing capacity and enabling more people to access learning opportunities. The growth in demand has also led to the creation of new jobs within the education team, increasing the reach and impact across the local agri-ecological sector.
The improvements have strengthened the centre’s role as a community asset, creating a flexible venue capable of hosting a wide range of activities and events.
The training room is regularly made available to community groups, often free of charge or at reduced rates This supports organisations working across farming, sustainability, health and wellbeing. The venue is also used for informal courses funded by the district council, providing further opportunities for local people to learn new skills and connect with others.
From training courses and meetings to workshops, research visits and supper clubs, the enhanced facilities enable the space to be used in a variety of ways. Local schools are using the venue for their academy meeting in October; this is just one example of the breadth of events held in the new facility. Increased capacity, open-plan areas, additional toilets and improved kitchen facilities have made the site more adapted and accessible for a growing number of users.
This project enabled the Apricot Centre to deliver:
- A larger training room, increasing the number of learners who can attend each course and providing enhanced facilities including learning environments, additional toilets and improved technology.
- Additional office space, allowing the entire staff team to be based on one site and supporting greater collaboration and team wellbeing which has strengthened the team.
- A dedicated staff room, providing a valuable space for staff to take breaks and recharge during the workday.
- Enhanced facilities that have enabled the centre to host more public-facing events, workshops and community activities.
A level 2 Student, said:
“The course was well run, organised and highly enjoyable. The course educators teaching delivery method and level of knowledge was outstanding and consistent. Running the course at the Apricot Centre is inspiring, wholesome and inclusive. The course has changed my life for the better and I hope I can make a difference in the world because of it myself.”
A staff member from the Apricot Centre, said:
“The expanded centre building has meant a huge improvement for all four teams at the farm. The larger education space has allowed for better activities and groupwork even when the weather doesn’t allow us to be outside. We are also able to host indoor events better. It all feels much less crowded, it is great that the farm team have their own room now, and the wellbeing team can work fully onsite. It feels like we all have a “home” in the centre now.”
Awareness of the Apricot Centre continues to grow through educational tours, university collaborations, research projects and professional visits. Demand for both the training programmes and event space has risen significantly, with the centre now operating close to full capacity.
The site also welcomes school groups, offering curriculum-linked visits that help children understand where food comes from, how it is grown and the importance of sustainable land management. By providing practical, hands-on learning experiences, the Apricot Centre is helping the guild knowledge, skills and resilience within Devon’s farming and food sectors while inspiring future generations to engage with regenerative agriculture.
The capital programme was funded by the UK government as part of the devolution deal for Devon and Torbay which was managed by Devon County Council.
Read more about the Apricot Centre on their website.
