Mish Porter and Kerryn McInness are growing something magical behind Kiama

Get off the M1 at Kiama and get on Old Saddleback Road.

Drive carefully – it’s a very local road, narrow, and mostly used by the owners of the properties scattered along it.

You’ll want to take your time anyway. It’s a beautiful part of the world – all rolling paddocks and hand-built stone fences, filled with cabbage tree palms, cows and coral trees.

If you turn left onto Saddleback Mountain Road you might spot a simple timber sign that says ‘Yoga on farm’.

You should pull in. Even if you arrive too late for class, you might be in time for a hot chocolate – and you’ll definitely catch a glimpse of something special.

The Pines Dairy has a new addition – The Passion Project.

It’s the brainchild of innovative nomad Kerryn McInnes. An emerging permaculture market garden and community space, The Passion Project doesn’t just aim to work in harmony with nature, but with people and community, too.

“The idea was to have a community space within the permaculture garden for workshops and events, to bring people together to learn and enjoy nature,” Kerryn said.

“We want to provide organic, locally grown regenerative produce that’s good for people at an affordable rate using different systems of growing.

“So we’ve got raised beds, no-dig beds, at the bottom of the paddock I’ve begun a food forest which will incorporate a lot of native species growing in layers from edible groundcover to herbs, sub-canopy and canopy.

“We’ve got the dam up the top and rain water, and I’m planning a hydroponic setup for strawberries.

“In addition to being a market garden it will be a model for workshops so people can see lots of different ways to create your own produce in a wholistic way.”

Kerryn and collaborator Mish Porter of Inner Seeds Co have built the cozy studio space with its spacious hardwood deck with their own hands, in between establishing different sections of the garden.

They began in March, and the swift evolution of the space – still a work-in-progress – is a testament to their hard work.

As idyllic as the space looks, heavy rain, intense wind and long dry spells have all posed unique challenges.

“It’s not always picture-perfect and that can be hard,” Mish said.

“We want to show up authentically, we’re working with nature so it’s never going to be finished.

“It’s a big job, and the challenges are all a part of the learning.”

Mish runs three pop-up yoga classes a week on-site, weather permitting, and said it provided a unique opportunity to combine yoga practice with connection to nature.

Students might be invited to taste a new herb, or listen to the cows mooing in the distance.

They’re also treated to some of the most incredible views in the region. On a clear day you can look out over the rolling hills to the ocean and watch the coastline unfurl past Wollongong.

“The classes are beginner friendly, and we’re planning to introduce chair yoga for our aging community members,” Mish said.

“My background is in outdoor education and nature tourism so any opportunity to get people outside!

“The focus throughout the classes is intentional movements to bring awareness to our minds, bodies and the nature surrounding us.

“It’s really exciting to get people out here now as the space emerges so people can watch the natural changes and cycles.

“I am passionate about weaving the garden, plants and nature through classes by using them in a sensory way – smell, touch, sight and even taste – offering gentle education of how we can use them in our daily life not only for physical health but mental health and grounding.”

Owners of The Pines Dairy, Mahlah and Kel Grey, have been full of support for the project, Kerryn and Mish said.

They’re committed to exploring new ways to care for the environment and different ways to use the land.

“Through The Passion Project, we aim to promote the importance of connection to self, nature, food, and sustainable practices by offering meaningful and enriching experiences,” Mish said.

“Mahlah and Kel were super supportive; they’re really passionate about regenerative farming, improving soil health, and want to diversify, so this adds something to their property as well.”

While it’s still early days, Kerryn said the reception from the community has reinforced her passion for the project.

“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to do something community and land focused because of Mahlah and Kel’s generosity,” she said.

“There is so much primo land around that people never get to see because it’s privately farmed, so to be able to share this with people is incredible.”

To keep an eye on what’s happening – and book in for yoga classes – follow the Passion Project on Instagram.