Therapy Walk Planting: Growing Healing Spaces in the Southern Highlands

A team of dedicated Southern Highlands Landcare volunteers, together with 11 enthusiastic Duke of Edinburgh Award students from a Sydney public high school, came together this week to transform a patch of native bushland into a future ‘Therapy Walk’ — a nature-based healing and reflection space nestled beneath a grove of ageing eucalypts.

The group planted over 200 Australian native plants, including 100 tube stock and 100 advanced bird- and butterfly-attracting shrubs, on the grounds of the Highlands Centre for Healing, located in the Southern Highlands. The planting marks the final project of this year’s Autumn season — and the start of a long-term commitment to restore habitat and nurture wellbeing.

The Therapy Walk will offer a peaceful pathway for those navigating life challenges, providing a place to connect with nature, reflect, and heal. While fallen timber has been left in place to support biodiversity, the midstorey of the woodland was sparse. Thanks to a Land for Wildlife grant, this layered vegetation is now being re-established — enhancing both ecological function and human experience.

Southern Highlands Landcare brought expertise and tools, including a mechanical augur, which made quick work of digging holes — allowing all 200+ plants to be established in just three hours. Volunteers praised the collaboration and described the day as “good therapy in itself.”

This project was hosted by the Highlands Centre for Healing — a small business which offers integrative therapies for people experiencing trauma, anxiety, addiction and life’s challenges. Set in a tranquil bushland setting, the centre runs holistic wellness group retreats and workshops, collaborating with local wellness practitioners, one-on-one equine therapy, counselling and Reiki with the herd.  

Upcoming events at the Centre offer a chance to connect with nature, community, and self. To learn more or take part, visit: highlandscentreforhealing.com.au/event

This Therapy Walk is a beautiful example of what’s possible when landholders, young people and environmental volunteers work together for shared wellbeing — healing country and community at once.

Want to get involved?

This planting was part of a broader movement to restore habitat and foster community wellbeing across the region. Southern Highlands Landcare Network welcomes new volunteers of all ages and abilities to join future planting days and projects. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded people, learn about local ecology, and make a real impact. To find out more and get involved, visit: https://landcare.nsw.gov.au/groups/southern-highlands-landcare-network/