WHAT IS IT?
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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. |
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One school will win a
garden makeover worth up to
€10,000
garden makeover worth up to
€10,000
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WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR?
Thanks to your feedback we've made some changes:
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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.
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120,000
Nature Heroes trained to
help their local biodiversity.
Nature Heroes trained to
help their local biodiversity.
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WHERE ARE OUR NATURE HEROES?
Use the map to explore the current class of Nature Hero schools and check out the county leaderboard below.
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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.
