In our fast-paced, always-on world, moments of calm, connection, and clarity are more important than ever. At Chestnut Brae, we’ve always believed in the healing power of nature — but we also know that true wellbeing often requires more than just fresh air and green space. That’s why in 2024 we partnered with LifeStorm, led by qualified counsellor Christopher Johnson, to provide meaningful, practical mental health workshops right here on the farm.
Farms have long been places of retreat — quiet landscapes where the rhythms of nature invite us to slow down. But now, more than ever, these natural environments are being recognised not just as places of beauty, but as vital spaces for mental health support and restoration.
Chris from LifeStorm is an experienced counsellor and mental health advocate who specialises in workshops that offer real, practical tools to help people improve their mental health. When he spoke at our International Agritourism Congress in March 2025, his presentation struck a powerful chord. Delegates from around the world praised the session as “life-changing” — a reminder that mental wellbeing isn’t a side note in agritourism; it’s central to the experience.
As Chris shared at the congress, spending time in green spaces has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and boost positive emotions. Farm stays and agritourism experiences like those offered at Chestnut Brae provide the perfect backdrop for this kind of healing through nature.
Whether Chris is working with teens at the Nannup Wellness Expo or adults seeking a quiet retreat, his message is clear: mental health conversations matter — and they need to happen in safe, accessible ways.
His sessions focus on normalising these conversations, breaking stigma, and teaching everyday strategies like emotional awareness, resilience-building, and mindful self-care. At Chestnut Brae, this aligns perfectly with our mission to be a place of healing, community, and authentic connection.
LifeStorm workshops at the farm vary throughout the year and may include:
Mental health is no longer a niche concern — it’s a community-wide priority. And agritourism is uniquely placed to be part of the solution. By welcoming LifeStorm to Chestnut Brae, we’re proud to be championing a new way forward — one that’s as grounded in the soil as it is in science.
Because a healthy world doesn’t stop with the environment — it includes the people who live, work, and visit within it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or simply in need of a deeper kind of break, we invite you to join us. Come to Chestnut Brae, take part in a LifeStorm workshop, and experience how nature, community, and compassion can truly change lives.
Together, we’re cultivating more than just chestnuts — we’re growing connection, calm, and wellbeing.
Chestnut Brae acknowledges the Wardandi and Bibbulmun people, the traditional custodians of the country we live on, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
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