A Forest School training day for teachers was held at Picton Castle earlier this month. A group of teachers from across Pembrokeshire learnt how to teach children woodland skills from local teachers, who have already been trained. Among the skills they learnt to pass onto pupils were building shelters, lighting fires and using various tools - as well as craft work, sensory games and environmental art. Sally Abadioru, Early Years advisor, said woodland classrooms provided enormous benefits to children. "It's a completely different learning environment and children thrive on it," she said. "It's great for their confidence and self-esteem. It's also a wonderful link to the Foundation Phase curriculum." The Forest School initiative is organised in partnership with the Forestry Commission and has been growing in momentum since it was first established in the county four years ago. Teachers who took part in this month's training day included: Peter Griffiths (headteacher) and Fiona Owen (teacher, of Stepaside School); Juliet Hughes (Pembroke Dock); Kate Rastall (Spittal); Jan Layton (Neyland); Lyn Molyneaux and Jenny Hills (Tavernspite); and Tina Thomas (St. Aidans).