27 April 2026
27 April 2026
Ireland’s first standalone outdoor learning awards are calling for last entries, as the deadline for applications fast approaches. The annual Nature Hero Awards, coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools and in partnership with Glenveagh, is calling for all schools across the Republic of Ireland to submit their entries by the deadline of 29 May.
The Nature Hero Awards are Ireland’s largest outdoor learning awards for schools, involving thousands of students across pre, primary and secondary levels each year. With an aim of creating an educational space that nurtures a love for nature, develops a knowledge of biodiversity and encourages action at grassroots level, the awards are a mark of excellence for schools and recognise the exceptional work by young students and teachers to help nature.
The awards cover many topics from biodiversity actions, conservation and ecological literacy to responsible citizenship as well as physical and mental wellbeing.
With only a few weeks to go, schools are encouraged to submit their applications to be in with a chance of winning a prize fund of up to €10,000, split between the top performing schools to upgrade their gardens. In addition, three levels of achievement are available for participating schools, including Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle, each of which is marked with a sustainably made Irish wooden Nature Hero plaque.
This year marks Glenveagh’s fourth consecutive year supporting the Nature Hero Awards as part of its wider school engagement programme. The leading Irish home builder is proud to continue their sponsorship of the awards which supports the company’s commitment to creating sustainable communities.
Mark Nolan, CEO and Founder of Biodiversity in Schools, said: “Biodiversity plays a critical role in our wider environment and has a huge impact on our individual health and wellbeing, and the Nature Hero Awards continue to play a pivotal role in developing an understanding of biodiversity across young students. As the 29 May deadline approaches, we look forward to seeing the array of biodiversity projects that students have completed. We encourage those yet to enter to submit their entry by the deadline to be in with a chance of winning the fantastic prizes up for grabs and to showcase their efforts in preserving nature in their area.”
Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh, said: “At Glenveagh, supporting nature and biodiversity is a central part of what we do as we build homes and sustainable communities for the future. We’re proud to support the Nature Hero Awards for the fourth year in a row and we are delighted to play a part in such an important topic. Each year, we look forward to seeing the excellent submissions from schools nationwide and we strongly encourage any schools interested in being involved in the awards to submit their entries before the deadline.”
The 2025/2026 Nature Hero Awards remain open for entries from all schools across the Republic of Ireland until 29 May. Winners will be announced in September.
For your last chance to enter, visit here.