Nature Hero Awards open for applications until 29th May

Standalone awards that cultivate an education and interest in biodiversity among children

Spring’s impact is being well and truly felt, with the longer evenings and brighter flora providing an uplift in the air. For many of us, the return of various lifeforms across our grasses, flowers and hedgerows is creating a real difference, showing the importance of ecosystems in our local areas and why we need to make efforts to conserve and protect them.

The Nature Hero Awards are Ireland’s first, and largest, standalone outdoor learning awards. Held by Biodiversity in Schools in partnership with Glenveagh, they aim to create an educational space that nurtures a love for nature, develops a knowledge of biodiversity and encourages action to help its development at grassroots level.

As a mark of excellence for schools, they recognise the exceptional work by young students and teachers to help nature in their area. The countdown is on for this year’s Nature Hero Awards, with applications remaining open until 29th May.

Open to pre, primary and secondary level schools across the Republic of Ireland, the Nature Hero Awards are focused on participation and strengthening relationships with nature. The awards cover many topics from gardening, biodiversity conservation and ecological literacy, to responsible citizenship as well as physical and mental wellbeing.

Three levels of achievement are available, including Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle, each of which is marked with a sustainably made Irish wooden Nature Hero plaque. All schools receive a digital participation certificate and this year, new prize funds are available for winning and participating schools, including a prize fund of up to €10,000 split between the top performing schools to upgrade their gardens.

Last year, local Meath school, Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh in Ráth Chairn, were named the overall winner of the 2024/2025 Nature Hero Awards.

Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh competed with over 300 schools across 26 counties, representing 93,324 children from pre-school to senior cycle, to win a school garden makeover worth €10,000. Their commitment to enhancing the biodiversity in their surroundings benefitted a range of species, from frogs to owls and pollinators, and also included the implementation of a strong eco-literacy programme for teachers and students.

Six schools in Meath were recipients of the 2025 Nature Hero Awards, with the county ranking third overall in the most schools awarded in 2025, following eight schools recognised in Cork and 10 schools awarded in Dublin.

Biodiversity is paramount in creating vibrant neighbourhoods, and as one of Ireland’s leading homebuilders, Glenveagh strives to create sustainable communities. In every step of building new homes and communities, Glenveagh is centred on driving efficiency, innovation, reducing carbon footprints and supporting biodiversity.

At each new community, Glenveagh actions several ways to support biodiversity including sowing native wildflower seeds in natural spaces, empowering communities through regular Planting Days with residents and continually striving to improve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Through these initiatives, Glenveagh is empowering communities to thrive and live more sustainably.

This year marks Glenveagh’s fourth consecutive year supporting the Nature Hero Awards as part of its wider school's engagement programme. Through this partnership with Biodiversity in Schools, Glenveagh are supporting the next generation by encouraging students to foster an understanding and appreciation of biodiversity.

The 2025/2026 Nature Hero Awards remain open for entries from all schools across the Republic of Ireland until the 29th May. Winners will be announced in September. For your last chance to submit your application for this year’s awards, go to: https://www.biodiversityinschools.com/nature-hero-awards