I caught some of this yesterday on radio 4. Kids being taught about nature etc in woodlands in a 'forest school' where lessons are taken outside and children are taught to use axes and saws, to identify trees and create and build. I only caught some of it as i was working but its available here. Makes a pleasant change to have a positive light shone!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037706r
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037706r