29th July 2026 – Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry.
Ireland’s leading conservationists, educators, nature filmmakers and community groups gathered at Powerscourt Estate last week for the 2026 Working with Nature Awards, celebrating the people and projects making an outstanding contribution to biodiversity restoration, nature protection, nature education and nature communication across Ireland.
The ceremony brought together nominees from across the country to celebrate inspiring initiatives restoring habitats, protecting dark skies, connecting communities with nature through education, and using storytelling to inspire a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
The awards were presented by judges Éanna Ní Lamhna, Duncan Stewart and Alex Slazenger, Head Gardener at Powerscourt Gardens.
Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director of Powerscourt Estate, said:
“The Working with Nature Awards celebrate the remarkable people and organisations helping nature recover across Ireland. From restoring habitats and protecting biodiversity to inspiring communities through education and storytelling, every finalist demonstrates that positive action can make a lasting difference. We hope these awards not only recognise their achievements but also encourage many more people to take practical action for nature in their own communities.”
Winners of the Biodiversity & Rewilding, Nature Education & Wellbeing and Nature Media Awards each received a unique handcrafted award, crafted from beech wood grown on the Powerscourt Estate and engraved in County Wicklow, together with a €500 bursary to support their ongoing work for nature.
The overall Outstanding Nature Protector Award was presented to The Hare’s Corner / Burrenbeo Trust, whose practical approach is helping landowners, schools and communities create wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, heritage orchards, hedgerows and other habitats across Ireland.
As the overall winner, The Hare’s Corner also received the Ultimate Powerscourt Experience, including a place on the Leaders for Nature Leadership Programme, developed by Common Purpose Ireland. The Leadership Programme is valued at over €2,000 and is complemented by a guided tour and food pairing experience at Powerscourt Distillery, Annual Membership to Powerscourt Gardens and a four-ball at Powerscourt Golf Club.
The ceremony also included a Special Recognition Award presented in honour of the late Manchán Magan, celebrating his extraordinary contribution to helping people reconnect with Ireland’s landscapes, language and natural heritage.
For more information on the Working with Nature Awards and this year’s nominees, please visit:
www.powerscourt.com/workingwithnature
For further information or to request an interview, please contact:
Lisa Moran
Sustainability Marketing & Communications Manager, Powerscourt Estate.
Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland.
Phone: + 353 1 204 6009 / +353 087 481 1211
Email:
Website: www.powerscourt.com