We like saying that we are “an award winning charity”. And we have a list of prizes to back that up.
This week, we added the Community & Voluntary Sector Award 2025 to our trophy cabinet, as our Nature Explorer for Schools programme was declared the winner of this annual award.
The Environmental Forum award recognises the programme’s impact in helping children reconnect with nature and become a new generation of environmental stewards.
Nature Explorer for Schools combines outdoor education, citizen science and creative learning to give pupils hands-on experiences with biodiversity, ecosystems and climate action.
Through our Nature Explorer programme, children are invited to discover the wildlife in their school grounds, their local parks and in other green spaces.
Research shows that time spent learning in nature has a wide range of benefits for school-aged children:
- Physical development: Outdoor activities increase movement, agility and coordination.
- Mental and emotional well-being: Nature reduces stress, improves focus and boosts self-esteem.
- Academic engagement: Hands-on, experiential learning outdoors enhances motivation, enjoyment and knowledge retention.
- Social skills and inclusion: Students develop teamwork, communication and a sense of belonging – especially those who may find traditional classrooms challenging.
- Environmental awareness: Regular engagement with nature encourages respect, care and habits that support lifelong climate action.
Through Nature Explorer these benefits become tangible, in hands-on learning experiences that go beyond what a traditional classroom can offer.
GAP Ireland will receive the award at the Environmental Forum Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 4th December 2025, in Cork.
Thank you for helping us inspire children, strengthen communities and nurture a lifelong connection with nature!