The Nature Hero Awards 2025 is now closed and winners have been announced. Please see all info here.
You can also view the full list of winning schools at the bottom of this page, below.
If you're interested in the 2025/26 Nature Hero Awards please join our newsletter here for updates.
WHAT IS IT?
The Nature Hero Award™ is Ireland’s largest outdoor learning award across the education sector. It is a mark of excellence for a school recognising exceptional work by young people & teachers to help nature.
​
​The aim is to create an educational space that nurtures a love of nature, develops a knowledge of our biodiversity & encourages action to help it locally. It covers many topics from nature conservation to school gardening, ecoliteracy to wellbeing. While it is mainly an award of participation, there's also some great prizes to be won too! It is open to pre, primary & secondary schools within the Republic of Ireland.
One school will win a
​garden makeover worth up to 
€10,000
WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR?
Thanks to your feedback we've made some changes:
  • More prizes available, with a spot-prize pack worth over €2,000.
  • More accessible application form.
  • New tiered award system: Bronze Badger, Silver Stag & Golden Eagle.
  • We have a dedicated Nature Hero Awards coordinator to help you on your journey ([email protected]) 
  • In-school workshops available to guide you with your plans. For info & eligibility see here.
  • ​Extended deadline.
WHAT DO WE WIN?
The ultimate goal for your school is to achieve Golden Eagle level and receive a sustainably-made, Irish, wooden Nature Hero Award plaque - the mark of excellence for schools in outdoor learning.

The steps preceding Golden Eagle level are Bronze Badger and Silver Stag - both recognised with a certificate.

One lucky school will win an overall prize of a school garden upgrade worth up to €10,000 courtesy of Glenveagh Homes​. This will be awarded to a school demonstrating an outstanding contribution to outdoor learning. There is also a spot-prize pack worth over €2,000.
Minister for Nature Malcolm Noonan presenting Carlow ETNS, national winners 2024, with their award.
NEED IN-SCHOOL ASSISTANCE?
We have a network of nature teachers available across Ireland to assist you in your Nature Hero Awards journey.
120,000
Nature Heroes trained to
​help their local biodiversity.
WHERE ARE OUR NATURE HEROES?
Use the map to explore the current class of Nature Hero schools and check out the county leaderboard below.
First
Dublin - 10 (up 5)

Second
Cork - 8 (up 3)

Third
Meath - 6 (up 1)

Donegal - 5 (up 3)
Galway - 5 (up 4)

Kilkenny - 3 (no change)

​Kerry - 2 (up 1)
​Limerick - 2 (down 1)
​Mayo - 2 (up 2)
Offaly - 2 (up 1)
Sligo - 2 (up 1) ​
Carlow - 1 (no change)
Cavan - 1 (no change)
Clare - 1 (no change)
​Kildare - 1 (down 1)
​Laois - 1 (up 1) 
Leitrim - 1 (no change)
Tipperary - 1 (down 1)
Waterford - 1 (no change)
Westmeath - 1 (down 1)
Wexford - 1 (no change)

Longford - 0 (no change)
Louth - 0 (no change)
Monaghan - 0 (no change)
Roscommon - 0 (no change)
Wicklow - 0 (down 3)
FAQS
Is there a Cost?
No, there is no application fee. Glenveagh Homes are generously supporting this initiative. To conserve our resources we ask that you only apply if you have completed the entire checklist.
What schools can take part?
The award is currently open to preschools, primary schools, secondary schools and homeschools within the Republic of Ireland. Please note homeschools are not eligible to win the €10,000 school garden makeover and certificates will be issued instead of plaques.
What if I have already done much of the work?
That's no problem. We know schools have already done great work, particularly through the superb Green Schools programme. It's as much about maintaining standards at the school as it is about new projects.
What if I can't complete all tasks?
The new tiered award system allows for more flexibility for schools so if you're just starting out you will find the award programme more accessible.
Why are Glenveagh supporting these awards?
Glenveagh Homes are a national homebuilder, committed to investing in local areas through sustainable placemaking and supporting local schools and businesses. Some of their key pillars include Education, Sustainability and Health & Wellbeing. The Nature Hero Awards would not be possible without their support. Glenveagh also value the importance of biodiversity and are reviewing and implementing their own sustainability plan at each development such as prioritising native trees and creating pollinator meadows. Biodiversity in Schools also partner with Glenveagh delivering the Nature Hero Award Bootcamps, an education programme for local schools in areas where they build.
Are there limited spaces?
Yes. Registrations will be limited to 370 schools within the Republic of Ireland.
Terms & Conditions
Please find the terms and conditions associated with the Nature Hero Awards grand prize here.