Knowledge Library
Research - Evidence - Practice
At Woodcrafters, we know that craft, nature, and community can transform lives — but we also know the importance of showing how and why that change happens. Our Knowledge Library brings together the research, data, and learning that underpin all of our work. It’s designed for funders, partners, educators, and practitioners who want to explore the growing evidence base for craft-for-wellbeing and nature-based social prescribing together with our own insights and reports from running our pioneering wellbeing programmes
The Need
Rising mental-health challenges, social isolation, and biodiversity loss affect millions across the UK. Cuts to services and limited access to affordable wellbeing opportunities leave many without support.
Our needs assessments summarise the data and policy context behind our programmes — from the mental-health crisis and SEND exclusions to nature-deficit disorder and climate anxiety.
Children’s Mental Health in the UK
The current state of child Mental Health in the UK: A Comprehensive Evidence Review
[Download PDF]
Needs assessment of the current state of child Mental Health in Devon, UK
[Download PDF]
Needs assessment of the current state of SEND Provision in Devon, UK
[Download PDF]
Adult Mental Health in the UK
The current state of adult Mental Health in the UK: A Comprehensive Evidence Review
[Download PDF]
Workplace Wellbeing in the UK
Workplace Mental Health & Wellbeing in the UK: Evidence Review
[Download PDF]
Nature Deficit Disorder & Wellbeing
The Psychological and Physical Impacts of “Nature Deficit Disorder”: An Evidence Review
[Download PDF]
Evidence Reviews
Our evidence reviews draw on studies from public health, education, and environmental science to show how hands-on craft and time in nature improve wellbeing. They distil complex academic findings into short, accessible summaries for practitioners and partners.
Each review highlights key insights, emerging evidence, and implications for practice — helping us and others to ground creative, nature-based work in robust evidence.
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
[Download PDF]
Evidence Review for The Psychological and Therapeutic Rationale for Nature-Based Workshops
[Download PDF]
Nature Connection & Wellbeing
The Efficacy of Nature Connection on Wellbeing: A Systematic Evidence Review
[Download PDF]
Social Prescribing & Community Health
Evidence Review - The Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency of Social Prescribing for Mental Health
[Download PDF]
A Professional Evidence Review of the benefits of Green Prescribing & Ecotherapy
[Download PDF]
Our Models
We translate research into practical frameworks that guide delivery, training, and evaluation. Each model explains a key part of our approach — from how craft supports wellbeing, to how participants co-design projects and contribute to environmental restoration.
These frameworks are used internally for quality assurance and shared externally so partners and funders can understand our theory, structure, and evidence of impact.
Insights & Reports
Every project provides new insights into how craft, nature, and community interact to improve wellbeing. We analyse data, participant feedback, and facilitator reflections to evaluate outcomes and improve our methods.
Our reports share key findings and stories from the field — evidence of change that is both measurable and human. These insights also feed into our wider contribution to the craft-for-wellbeing sector through publications and presentations.
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 Research Partners
