Huxhams Cross Farm | The Apricot Centre

The Story of Huxhams Cross, Apricot Centre

A 34-acre biodynamic and permaculture-designed farm near Totnes – Huxhams Cross was secured by the Biodynamic Land Trust in 2015 and achieved full biodynamic status in 2018. Developed by the Apricot Centre team, the farm is now a thriving blueprint of regenerative, seasonally produced food – sold locally, a hub for nationally accredited teaching of regenerative and land-based skills, and centre for wellbeing therapy, nature connection and community support.

A Regenerative Farm with Purpose

what is grown on site?

Huxhams Cross Farm produces a rich diversity of food and flowers through the seasons, with vegetables grown both in the fields and in polytunnels to ensure year-round harvests. Carefully planned rotations keep winter salads fresh all year round, and in the summer the orchards and soft-fruit plantings provide apples, berries and plums, with any surplus transformed into cordials, juices and other preserves that make the most of the harvest. All sold either in veg boxes or at the weekly Totnes Farmers market.

A mixed farming system underpins the wider landscape, where livestock graze in rotation to build soil health, support wildlife and contribute to a balanced ecological cycle. Pasture-raised beef and pork come from animals reared outdoors which allows the animals to express species-specific behaviours – meeting higher welfare standards. Heritage and regenerative grains form part of the farms rotations – milled on site and used alongside surplus produce to create jams, chutneys and other value-added foods that reflect the full farm cycle. Across the site, biodynamically tended flower beds add colour and biodiversity, offering fresh seasonal stems in summer and dried arrangements through the quieter winter months.

WELLBEING Through Nature and Connection WORK

The Apricot Centre offers nature-based therapeutic support for children, young people and families, helping those with complex needs to rebuild confidence, resilience and connection. Our team of specialist psychologists, psychotherapists and creative therapists combine land-based activities, mentoring and clinical expertise to support wellbeing in a calm, non-clinical farm environment.

To get involved – volunteer, attend the free accredited training courses, farm walks and other events at Huxhams Cross – visit the website and Instagram page.

Obituary for Marina O’Connell, biodynamic teacher, farmer and gardener