Research
Building the evidence base for craft and wellbeing
Woodcrafters is committed to advancing the understanding of how natural craft and nature-based practice contribute to wellbeing, mental health education, and community resilience. While there is a growing body of evidence for arts and health interventions, the specific field of craft-for-wellbeing remains under-researched. Our work bridges this gap by combining rigorous evaluation of our programmes with wider reviews of national and international evidence.
Our Contribution to the Field
Woodcrafters are actively helping to establish craft-for-wellbeing as a recognised discipline by:
Evaluating every programme through a structured data evaluation toolkit.
Publishing findings that combine participant outcomes with broader sector insights.
Contributing to cross-sector learning across health, education, community development, and climate action.
Training facilitators and creating resources that embed evidence-based practice nationally.
Knowledge Library
We believe in sharing what we learn. Alongside delivering programmes, we conduct and review research to strengthen the evidence base for craft-for-wellbeing. Our Evidence Reviews summarise key findings across arts, health, education, and nature connection — making research accessible to practitioners, funders, and communities.
Explore our Library Below:
The Impact of Craft on Mental Health & Wellbeing
A Comprehensive Evidence Review of the Therapeutic Impact of Handcrafts on Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Psychological and Interdisciplinary Perspective
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Evidence Review for The Psychological and Therapeutic Rationale for Nature-Based Workshops
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Nature Connection & Wellbeing
The Efficacy of Nature Connection on Wellbeing: A Systematic Evidence Review
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Social Prescribing & Community Health
Evidence Review - The Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency of Social Prescribing for Mental Health
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A Professional Evidence Review of the benefits of Green Prescribing & Ecotherapy
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1 Page Evidence Snapshot
The Therapeutic Impact of Handcrafts on Mental Health & Wellbeing
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Our Research Approach
We use a mixed-methods approach that combines:
Quantitative measurement – Structured evaluation tools to capture wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and social connection.
Qualitative enquiry – Participant interviews, case studies, and reflective practice to gather lived experience.
Comparative review – Analysis of existing research in arts, health, nature connection, and outdoor learning to inform practice.
Knowledge exchange – Sharing findings with healthcare providers, schools, community organisations, and funders to influence wider practice.
Why This Research Matters
For funders – a clear evidence base ensures investment delivers measurable social value.
For healthcare partners – craft-for-wellbeing provides a preventative, scalable alternative within social prescribing.
For education – our work demonstrates how hands-on making supports children’s learning, confidence, and inclusion.
For communities – evidence ensures that grassroots practice is recognised and sustained.
Woodcrafters combines craft, nature, and community to tackle urgent challenges in mental health, social isolation, and ecological decline. Our programmes deliver measurable improvements in wellbeing, strengthen communities, and actively restore the natural environment. By filling evidence gaps in craft-for-wellbeing and offering a scalable, low-cost model, we provide a timely, impactful solution for people, communities, and planet.
Our Commitment
Woodcrafters is more than a provider of workshops; we are building a national movement for craft and wellbeing. Our commitment is grounded in accountability, inclusion, and innovation, ensuring that our work delivers meaningful change where it is most needed.
Robust Evaluation – Every programme is measured using a structured data evaluation toolkit, combining quantitative outcomes with qualitative participant feedback. This evidence informs practice, demonstrates impact, and builds the case for craft-for-wellbeing nationally.
Co-Production & Participant Leadership – Our programmes are co-designed with participants, families, and partners. We embed lived experience at every stage, ensuring participant voices not only shape delivery but also lead change within their communities.
Community Engagement – We prioritise inclusion, removing barriers to access and ensuring that those most affected by health inequalities, isolation, and exclusion can participate fully.
Knowledge Sharing & Sector Leadership – We contribute to the growing evidence base for craft and wellbeing by publishing findings, engaging with funders and partners, and sharing best practice across disciplines.
Scalable Impact – Through facilitator training, toolkits, and digital resources, we are creating a model that is sustainable, replicable, and capable of embedding craft-for-wellbeing across health, education, and community settings.
Our approach ensures that Woodcrafters remains accountable, evidence-led, and pioneering — combining the rigour of a research-led organisation with the authenticity of a grassroots movement.
Our Research Partners
