A patch of wildflowers. A place for birds to nest. A child discovering the wildlife living just beyond the classroom door. Small beginnings can inspire something much bigger, and schools across Ireland are being invited to take that first step through the Nature Hero Awards.

Registration is now open for the Nature Hero Awards 2027. Coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools and supported by Glenveagh for a fifth consecutive year, Ireland’s largest outdoor learning initiative across the education sector is calling on young people, teachers and their wider school communities to get involved in caring for nature on their doorstep.

Open to children from pre-school through to secondary level, the awards celebrate curiosity, creativity and practical action. Through hands-on outdoor learning, young people can discover how nature works, understand why it matters and play their own part in protecting it.

This year’s invitation reaches beyond the classroom, encouraging parents, grandparents and neighbours to get behind their local school. Whether sharing gardening knowledge, helping with a school nature project or simply encouraging children to notice the wildlife around them, everyone can play a part.

For schools, it is an opportunity to turn children’s questions into discoveries and their ideas into action. Watching the birds that visit the school grounds, exploring the insects beneath fallen leaves or growing plants for pollinators can provide starting points for learning that continues long after a lesson ends.

Mark Nolan, Director of Biodiversity in Schools, said:“Every school has children who are curious about the world around them. The Nature Hero Awards give that curiosity somewhere to go - outdoors, into practical projects and into discovering what they can do to help nature.

“We want schools taking their first steps to feel just as welcome as those already doing fantastic work. We also want families and neighbours to get behind them. A teacher might start the conversation, but children can bring that enthusiasm home and get a whole community involved.”

A €10,000 School Nature Fund will support outdoor learning, with €5,000 for the overall national winner, €1,000 each for Best Preschool, Best Primary School and Best Secondary School, and eight €250 spot prizes.

Schools can also work towards Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle recognition, celebrating their efforts to make space for nature and outdoor learning.

Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh, said:“There is something very special about children showing the adults around them what is possible. A small idea in a classroom can become a project that brings teachers, families and neighbours together, with something lasting to show for their efforts.

“As we enter our fifth year supporting the Nature Hero Awards, we want to encourage more schools to get involved and more communities to support them. Helping children feel connected to the places where they grow up is an important part of building lasting communities.”

Registration is free, with guides and webinars available to help schools take part. Pre-schools, primary and secondary schools across the Republic of Ireland are encouraged to register for the 2027 awards, while parents and families can help spread the word by sharing the programme with their child’s school. To register or find out more, visit www.biodiversityinschools.com/nature-hero-awards.