New workshops aim to connect women across farming

Women working in farming across England and Wales are being invited to help shape a new series of creative workshops designed to build social connections and support wellbeing.

The Farming Community Network (FCN) is seeking participants for collaborative sessions that could involve activities such as crafts, drawing or singing.

“The workshops might include anything from crafting to drawing or singing,” FCN said.

The programme forms part of the “Health and Wellbeing of Women in Farming” research project, delivered by FCN and the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research.

The work is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council and is exploring the experiences, health and wellbeing of women within the agricultural sector.

Participants will play a direct role in deciding how the workshops are organised. The creative materials, location, timings and format will be developed jointly by the women taking part and the research team.

Those selected will attend a small number of planning meetings before taking part in up to two in-person creative workshops.

The first meeting will give participants an opportunity to meet other women in farming and members of the research team in a “friendly and informal environment”.

Researchers will provide an overview of the project before discussing how the group would like the practical sessions to develop.

Participants will then agree on the creative process and confirm dates and times for the workshops.

Women interested in taking part are being asked to complete a brief “Expression of Interest” form through the University of Exeter’s Women in Farming project website.

The deadline for applications is Friday 14 August 2026, although organisers have warned that recruitment may close earlier if demand is high.

Questions about the research or workshops can be sent to Tilly or Caroline at FarmSurvey@exeter.ac.uk.