GREEN FUTURE MOVE: PRINCE WILLIAM VISITS PIONEERING CARBON-NEGATIVE FARM — ROYAL ROLE TAKES A BOLD NEW TURN
The Apricot Centre occupies a former dairy farm that had fallen into disuse before its transformation into a thriving wildlife haven
Prince William toured a pioneering carbon-negative farm in Devon today, underscoring his commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental transformation.
The Prince of Wales visit to the Apricot Centre comes as he pursues ambitious climate goals for the Duchy of Cornwall, which he has tasked with achieving net zero emissions by the close of 2032.
The heir to the throne has maintained a keen focus on how organisations can successfully transition away from carbon-intensive practices.
During his time at the 120-acre site, the prince explored how regenerative farming techniques can deliver both ecological and commercial success.
Prince William toured a pioneering carbon-negative farm in Devon today, underscoring his commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental transformation.
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The visit highlighted the growing intersection between sustainable land management and mental health support, with the Centre combining food production with nature-based wellbeing services.
The Apricot Centre occupies a former dairy farm that had fallen into disuse before its transformation into a thriving wildlife haven.
Husband-and-wife founders Marina and Mark O’Connell established the enterprise in 2015, drawing on their respective expertise in horticulture and child psychology.
The site now employs a range of organic and regenerative techniques, from agroforestry and permaculture to rotational grazing and crop rotation.
The Prince of Wales visit to the Apricot Centre comes as he pursues ambitious climate goals for the Duchy of Cornwall, which he has tasked with achieving net zero emissions by the close of 2032.
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These methods have produced remarkable results, with biodiversity across the land increasing by 400 per cent since the Centre’s founding.
The operation has also proven commercially viable, generating £1.3 million in annual turnover whilst achieving carbon neutrality.
Beyond food production, the Centre provides support for farmers and land-based enterprises, alongside training courses and educational visits for school pupils exploring food sustainability.
The O’Connells built the Centre’s therapeutic services on their conviction that connecting with nature, land and creative pursuits can be transformative.
The prince also explored the Centre’s wellbeing garden, which won recognition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 as a display created for Bowel Research UK.
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Today, the organisation delivers specialist therapies, therapeutic mentoring and farm-based activities supporting the mental, emotional and social wellbeing of children, young people, families and farming communities.
All programmes take place in welcoming outdoor environments rather than clinical settings, with participants engaging directly in land work, food growing and creative projects.
The prince also explored the Centre’s wellbeing garden, which won recognition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 as a display created for Bowel Research UK.
Through hands-on experiences with the natural world, the Centre helps young people develop resilience and reconnect with their surroundings.
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