Research into forest schools recommends they should be more widely available and receive support from local authorities.

At forest schools children are educated in woodlands at regularintervals over a period of time using activities linked to the NationalCurriculum.

The study by the Forestry Commission, entitled A Marvellous Opportunityfor Children to Learn, shows how these schools can contribute to theEvery Child Matters outcomes. For instance, children's health improvesthrough greater physical skills and they naturally learn to assessrisk.

The report found that "it is clear that some of the children displayedchanges in behaviour that were wholly or partly attributable to theirinvolvement in forest schools".

The benefits can be particularly marked for underperforming childrensince "children who may view themselves as failures in the classroom candiscover new abilities and strengths at forest schools".

- www.forestresearch.gov.uk.