21/05/2026
Powerscourt Estate calls on the public to nominate Ireland’s nature champions this Summer
Working with Nature Awards 2026 now open for nominations until Thursday 11th June
Powerscourt Estate is calling on the public to get out into nature this May and nominate the individuals, community groups, organisations and small businesses helping to protect, restore and reconnect people with the natural world.
The Working with Nature Awards 2026, now in their second year, celebrate practical and inspiring action taking place across Ireland — from native planting, pollinator pathways and wildlife restoration to nature storytelling, outdoor learning and wellbeing initiatives.
Launched earlier this spring to mark Earth Day, the national awards are now open for nominations until Wednesday 3 June 2026.
As Summer brings, longer evenings and a renewed sense of life outdoors, Powerscourt is encouraging people across Ireland to take notice of the nature around them and champion the projects making a real difference.
The awards are open across three categories:
• Biodiversity & Rewilding
• Nature Media
• Nature Education & Wellbeing
Powerscourt sees the Working with Nature Awards as a natural extension of its own long-term commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and custodianship. This May call-out encourages people to reconnect with the natural world, celebrate those caring for it and help shine a light on the projects working quietly and powerfully on nature’s behalf.
The stories behind the nominations will be shared across Powerscourt’s digital channels and featured onsite at Powerscourt House throughout May and June, turning the awards into a wider national showcase for nature in action.
The judging panel includes some of Ireland’s best-known environmental voices, including Éanna Ní Lamhna and Duncan Stewart, alongside Powerscourt’s Head Gardener, Alex Slazenger.
Speaking about the awards, Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director at Powerscourt Estate, said:
‘May is one of the most beautiful times to reconnect with nature. As gardens, woodlands, hedgerows and communities across Ireland come alive, it is the perfect moment to notice the people who are caring for nature every day.
‘Through the Working with Nature Awards, we want to recognise the individuals, groups and organisations making a genuine difference, often quietly and without fanfare, and give them a platform to inspire others.’
She added:
‘At Powerscourt, protecting biodiversity and working with nature has long been central to our ethos. These awards celebrate hopeful, practical action and the growing community of people finding meaningful ways to protect and restore the natural world.’
Interview opportunities are available with members of the judging panel, including Éanna Ní Lamhna, Duncan Stewart and Powerscourt Head Gardener Alex Slazenger, who can speak about biodiversity, nature restoration, community action, outdoor learning and why May is such an important time to reconnect with the natural world.
Key dates for 2026
• Nominations now open
• Thursday 11th June – Nominations close (Extended deadline)
• Monday 15th June – Shortlist announced
• Thursday 2 July – Awards Ceremony at Powerscourt Estate
Nominations can be made at:
www.powerscourt.com/workingwithnature
Awards and recognition
Winners from each category will receive:
• A bespoke award crafted from hand-picked wood from Powerscourt Estate
• A €500 bursary to support their project
An overall winner will be awarded the title of ‘Outstanding Nature Protector’, along with the Ultimate Powerscourt Experience, including a stay at the five-star Powerscourt Hotel, a VIP experience at Powerscourt Distillery, Annual Membership to Powerscourt Gardens and a four-ball at Powerscourt Golf Club. The overall winner and ‘Outstanding Nature Protector’ will also receive a place on the ‘Leaders for Nature’ leadership programme (valued at €2,000), developed by Common Purpose Ireland.
