Crafting Nature Recovery
Where land and people heal together:
Practical conservation, traditional craft, and community wellbeing — hand in hand.
Crafting Nature Recovery is Woodcrafters commitment to restoring biodiversity while supporting people to thrive. We believe that nature recovery is stronger when communities are part of it. From hedge-laying and coppicing to tree planting and sustainable land management, our programmes are designed to support habitats regenerate, skills are passed on, and people reconnect with the land and with each other.
Our Approach
Devon’s landscapes — hedgerows, woodlands, and urban green spaces — are under pressure through bio-diversity loss and a lack of resourced participation in sustainable land management. Meanwhile, many people, from marginalised groups, especially in deprived or urban areas, face barriers to accessing nature.
Crafting Nature Recovery was created to bridge these two challenges. We bring communities into the heart of conservation work, making it accessible, inclusive, educational & creative. Offcuts from coppicing become spoons or stools. Restored hedgerows become wildlife corridors. Overstood coppice is cut and regenerated. And people who once felt disconnected gain confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging, actively participating in nature recovery
Our Ethos
Do it together: Recovery is strongest when land and people work side by side.
The wellbeing of our planet is inextricably linked with our own wellbeing
Keep it inclusive: Our doors are open to a whole range of marginalised groups from children & adults with mental health challenges, and learning difficulties, people experiencing poverty and isolation, to LGBTQIA groups, to name a few whom are often excluded from environmental action and have little access to nature
Work with the land: Every site and every group is unique — we adapt sessions to meet the needs of both. Working within broader national initiatives, local plans and regulations and adapting to the needs and nuances of local ecosystems and their inhabitants
Build legacy: What starts as a taster day can lead to volunteering, training, and long-term stewardship - encouraging action and collaboration beyond the scope of our involvement
Practical woodland management (coppicing, thinning, habitat piles) to improve biodiversity.
Skill development in sustainable woodland craft & green woodworking
Circular, Sustainable Materials: coppiced wood used for crafts, community fires & rewilding resources.
Our Projects
Healthy Hedges
Restoring biodiversity corridors through hedge-laying, planting, and habitat care
Using hedge offcuts for inclusive woodcraft/whittling sessions, linking conservation with creativity.
Community showcase days to raise awareness of hedgerows’ role in climate resilience and wildlife.
Community Wilding
Litter-picking, invasive species removal, and habitat planting in neglected urban reserves.
Accessible nature sessions for low-income communities, turning “no-go” spaces into safe, welcoming ones.
Collaborations with schools and local groups to build long-term stewardship of urban green spaces
Coppice for Community
Nature Recovery Outcomes
Nature
Learning Skills
Wellbeing
Testimonials
"Before coming, I struggled to leave the house… Learning hedging gave me something real to contribute, and carving the offcuts felt like I was part of the whole cycle. It was really rewarding taking home my carving! Now I’m looking to volunteer twice a week, and maybe look at being a ranger. It’s changed my confidence completely." — Participant, Torbay
Want to get Involved?
Want to get Involved?
Want to be part of crafting greener, healthier, more bio abundant places?
Partner with us, volunteer, or get in touch via the link below
Our Partners
