Limerick schools honoured with 'Nature Hero' award for environmental efforts

TWO LIMERICK schools have both received the Nature Hero Award for their work in biodiversity and environmental education. 

Athea National School and Naíonra na nÓg achieved the award to mark their great effort over the year and commitment to biodiversity and environmental education.

Coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools and sponsored by Glenveagh, The ‘Nature Hero Awards’, received registrations from 316 schools around Ireland representing over 93,000 students.

Speaking about Naíonra na nÓg’s experience, teacher Yvonne O Sullivan said, “We were over the moon to hear about our award, the whole school loved taking part in this fantastic initiative.

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“It has inspired our practice and encouraged the whole school community to take a greater interest in biodiversity. We look forward to embracing a greater love and respect for our environment as we strive to continue to develop our knowledge and skills around biodiversity.”

The awards help schools to positively steward their local land, improving biodiversity and educating young nature heroes throughout Ireland.

Mark Nolan, the Director of Biodiversity in Schools, spoke on the 2025 competition saying, “We've been amazed by the incredible work undertaken by schools across the country to help their local biodiversity. 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.”

The sponsor of the competition, Glenveagh Homes, expressed their support for the schools involved saying, “We congratulate all the schools on their fantastic achievements. Biodiversity plays such an important role in every community and we’re incredibly proud to support this brilliant initiative over the last four years”.

“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.”