Community-Hollystown
Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, a Gaelscoil located in the heart of Ráth Chairn, Co. Meath, has been announced as the national winner of the 2025 Nature Hero Awards. The prestigious honour comes with a €10,000 school garden makeover, proudly sponsored by Glenveagh and coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools.
Competing against over 300 schools from across 26 counties — representing an incredible 93,324 students from pre-school to senior cycle — Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh in Ráth Chairn emerged as the standout entrant for their creative and committed approach to biodiversity. Their winning efforts included hands-on initiatives supporting frogs, owls, pollinators, and a school-wide ecoliteracy programme that deeply engaged both teachers and pupils.
The Nature Hero Awards is Ireland’s largest outdoor learning programme, recognising schools that demonstrate excellence in biodiversity education and action. While many schools achieve bronze, silver, and gold status, only one is chosen each year as the overall national winner.
A Vision for Nature-Led Learning
In recognition of their achievement, Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh received a certificate, a commemorative plaque, and the transformative €10,000 prize to enhance their school garden — turning it into a living classroom that supports local wildlife and nurtures students’ connection to nature.
Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Diarmaid Ó hAlmhain, the school’s coordinating teacher, said:
"Winning the Nature Hero Awards is an amazing honour for us here in Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh. We are enormously proud of what the children have achieved with the help and support of our amazing teachers and the whole school community here in Ráth Chairn. [...] Our pupils have had an amazing time transforming our school grounds into a biodiversity haven and they are thrilled at this accolade. We look forward to using our prize to transform our school garden for everyone to enjoy.”
Corporate and Community Commitment
Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh, praised the school’s dedication:
“We’re proud to collaborate with Biodiversity in Schools on this excellent educational initiative, and delighted to see so many schools and children participate this year. We congratulate Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh on their fantastic achievement in winning this national award".
Mark Nolan, Director of Biodiversity in Schools, echoed the sentiment:
“We've been amazed by the incredible work undertaken by schools across the country to help their local biodiversity. Congratulations to Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh who have shown superb leadership in outdoor learning and also a massive well done to all the schools who achieved 'Nature Hero' status this year. A special thank you to Glenveagh Homes for their continued support of this great initiative.”
A Platform for the Future
The Nature Hero Awards celebrate more than just a single school — they represent a nationwide movement toward environmental education and action. With participation spanning all education levels across Ireland, the programme not only raises awareness but also empowers schools to take meaningful steps to protect local ecosystems.
To find out more about the Nature Hero Awards or to register interest for the next academic year, please visit www.biodiversityinschools.com.