Powerscourt’s Working With Nature Awards Return

What goes around…

atest press release from the Powerscourt Estate, issued on Thursday, April 23rd 2026…

To mark Earth Day, Powerscourt Estate has launched the Working with Nature Awards 2026, a national initiative celebrating individuals, organisations, community groups and small businesses across Ireland that are helping to protect, restore and reconnect people with the natural world.

As one of Ireland’s leading sustainable visitor attractions, Powerscourt is marking Earth Day not only as a moment to celebrate nature, but to shine a light on those working quietly and powerfully on its behalf every day.

Now in its second year, the Working with Nature Awards recognise meaningful action, grassroots innovation and inspiring stories helping nature to thrive across the island of Ireland. The awards are open to nominations in three categories: Biodiversity & Rewilding, Nature Media, and Nature Education & Wellbeing.

From native planting projects and wildlife restoration to nature storytelling, outdoor learning and wellbeing initiatives, the awards are designed to honour those creating real and lasting impact — while giving their work a wider platform to inspire others.

Powerscourt sees the awards as a natural extension of its own long-term commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and custodianship. Earth Day provides a fitting moment to launch the initiative, inviting the public to reflect on the importance of working with nature, not against it.

Duncan Stewart, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Alex Slazenger. Pic: Robbie Reynolds

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 launch, Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director at Powerscourt Estate, said: “Earth Day is a reminder that nature needs champions not just in words, but in action. At Powerscourt, protecting biodiversity and working with nature has long been central to our ethos. Through the Working with Nature Awards, we want to recognise the people and projects across Ireland making a genuine difference, often quietly and without fanfare, and give them a platform to inspire others.”

Key dates for 2026
⦿ Thursday 26th March – Nominations open (online for 8 weeks)
⦿ Wednesday 3rd June – Nominations close
⦿ Monday 8th June – Shortlist announced
⦿ Thursday 2nd July – Awards Ceremony at Powerscourt Estate

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.

Slazenger concluded, “We see Powerscourt not only as a place of beauty, but as a place of learning, restoration and connection. These awards reflect that vision. They celebrate hopeful, practical action and the growing community of people finding meaningful ways to care for the natural world.”

Nominations can be made here. You can also find out more about the Powerscourt Estate here, book tickets here, jump back here, and follow on Instagram here or Facebook here.