TEXTBOOKS and computers were put on hold at an estate school on Wednesday when local foresters brought woods alive in the classroom to celebrate National Tree Week.

Instead of traditional lessons and storytelling, woodcrafts were on the timetable at Higher Folds CP School, where pupils from four other schools were guests - St Gabriel's RC, Higher Folds, St Ambrose, Astley, Hindsford CE and Sacred Heart RC, Atherton.

In special one-hour lessons, the children were taught practical skills like wood chiselling and found out more about the nature on their doorstep.

Forestry Commission ranger Dave Baxter, who helps look after the new community woodlands, said: "We wanted to bring education alive. The idea was to take the woods to them and use them to teach valuable lessons. It's all part of our broader effort to get the community enthused by and involved in the forests."

A collage artist, a woodland expert and a woodland bodger - who showed the children how to make different items from wood - were on hand to inspire and educate.

Pupils from more than 30 schools throughout the north west were taking part at seven sites. Pupils from Bickershaw CE School were guests at Abram Bryn Gates Primary School.

Head teacher at Higher Folds, Janet Seddon, said: "It was a great opportunity for the children to learn more about the environment and to appreciate the beauty of nature.

"The children have recently planted a garden at the school and it's wonderful for them to see the end products of their work as the flowers grow. It's also a good lesson in co-operation and we're delighted that other pupils joined us at our lovely new school for the day."

The Forestry Commission has also designed special education packs for teachers who want to further use the woods to expand their pupils' learning.

The packs include eight lessons across the national curriculum Key Stages 1 and 2 for infants and juniors.They are designed to be taught in the woods and Forestry Commission staff will be on hand to guide teachers and pupils through the lessons.

Dave said: "Instead of just talking about nature, children will be able to experience it for themselves and really take in the sights and sounds. I'm hoping it will inspire and motivate them to want to learn more."

Teachers who want more information on the education packs can contact Dave the Forestry Commission on 01606 882167.

National Tree Week is the Tree Council's festival to mark the start of the tree planting season. It's a nationwide celebration of trees and woods with a host of events taking place across the country including walks, talks, songs, storytelling and tree dressing.