The Need
Why craft, nature and community matter now more than ever
The challenges facing our society are urgent, interconnected, and growing. National data, local experience, and independent research all highlight the need for innovative, preventative approaches that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities, and restore the natural world.
Woodcrafters exists to meet these needs head-on. By combining traditional craft with nature connection and community engagement, we respond to critical gaps in provision while building a new evidence base for craft-for-wellbeing.
Key Challenges
Mental Health & Wellbeing
1 in 6 children in England has a diagnosable mental health condition (NHS Digital, 2023).
Adult mental health referrals continue to rise, yet waiting lists for NHS services are at record highs.
Cuts to local services mean fewer affordable, community-based wellbeing opportunities.
Our programmes provide accessible, preventative support that reduces anxiety, builds confidence, and improves resilience. Evaluating every programme through a structured data evaluation toolkit.
Children, SEND & Education
Pupils with SEND are four times more likely to be excluded from school.
Exclusions often result from unmet needs, lack of regulation strategies, and reduced access to nature-based learning.
National evidence shows outdoor, hands-on activities improve focus, behaviour, and educational engagement.
Our SEND programmes deliver therapeutic, nature-based learning that helps children regulate, re-engage, and succeed.
Communities & Inequality
Social isolation is at record levels, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
Declining access to green space disproportionately affects marginalised groups.
Community-led peer support and therapeutic activities are often costly, leaving many excluded.
Our group programmes create inclusive spaces that reduce isolation, foster belonging, and strengthen community resilience.
Nature & Climate
The UK is among the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Biodiversity loss and habitat decline are accelerating, with significant impacts on both human and planetary health.
To care for the environment, people need to become active participants in its restoration.
Through Crafting Nature Recovery, we embed sustainability and restoration — planting trees, restoring hedgerows, and crafting with local wood.
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.
Needs Library
We curate and review evidence to support the case for craft-for-wellbeing. Explore our library of needs assessments and problem studies below:
Explore our Library Below:
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]
Why This Research Matters
For funders – a clear evidence base ensures investment in our programmes delivers measurable social value and proven outcomes
For healthcare partners – craft-for-wellbeing provides a preventative, scalable alternative within social prescribing which is accessible & affordable
For education – our work supports learners to engage and develop positive educational outcomes through how hands-on making.
For communities – evidence ensures that grassroots practice is recognised and sustained and can be used to support community participation and decision making
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
