Bulmer Primary School was the first in Essex to become a designated Forest School in 2005 – and now pupils head for woods near Gestingthorpe every week.

Headteacher Kerry Ellis said: "It is basically an outdoor classroom and we can bring in everything from biology, art, geography, maths and English in a very stimulating environment.

"As we are in a rural area it's also wonderful for children to get out and learn about their immediate surroundings."

The school uses an area of woodland donated by a landowner.

"The children absolutely love going there and it's wonderful to see how thrilled they are to get stuck in with lessons and all the fun stuff we do, including broomstick and shelter making," added Mrs Ellis.

Forest Schools were first introduced to Britain in the 1990s.

Research by the Forestry Commission found that behaviour and self-confidence improved in pupils at schools that took on the specialist status.