A national award is set to celebrate the educators who are inspiring young people and encouraging the UK to move towards a greener future.
Nominations for the Chester Zoo National Education Awards are currently open until 17 May, and the conservation education and engagement team is specifically urging teachers and educators from Liverpool and the Wirral to put themselves forward.
The awards are now in their fifth year and serve to highlight education heroes, eco-focused schools, and the various initiatives that inspire young conservationists.
For 2026, the zoo has expanded the event by introducing a brand-new category to recognise collaborative efforts.
Naiara Dunn, Assistant Team Manager for Schools Engagement at Chester Zoo, said:
“We know schools across the UK do amazing conservation work.
“Some have created wildflower gardens, protected wildlife-friendly habitats, transformed their school into rainforests to educate and held family tree-planting days that involved the whole community.
“This often involves teachers doing extra work outside the curriculum.
“They are motivated to do this because the children they teach are so passionate, and we don’t think this gets the recognition it deserves.”
Celebrating Local Conservation Heroes
Entry to the awards is completely free. Educators, schools, colleges, and youth-focused green initiatives from across the country are all eligible for nomination.
The 2026 ceremony will see the debut of the Outstanding Conservation Education Partnership Award.
This new category celebrates organisations that work collaboratively with schools to empower teachers, engage local communities, and deliver high-quality conservation learning.
In addition to the new category, nominators can submit entries for the Outstanding Conservation Educator Award, which recognises individuals who bring environmental learning to life in innovative ways.
Other categories include Outstanding Conservation School and Outstanding Conservation Initiative.
Sean Dick, Senior Conservation Education Manager for the zoo, said:
“We hope that by offering recognition of amazing conservation advocates and the work they do, we can inspire other people to get involved in green education. The finalists are invited to an awards ceremony held at the zoo.
“It’s a lovely evening which highlights the dedication of teachers, educators and the young people whom they encourage, and who encourage them in return.
“That passion for conservation must be celebrated to ensure the next generation of conservationists feels empowered to make a difference.”
How to Submit a Nomination
The awards ceremony provides a platform to showcase the dedication of those working to protect the planet for future generations.
It highlights the unique relationship between educators and students, where both parties encourage each other to find creative solutions for environmental challenges.
To nominate a school, teaching team, partnership, or specific initiative, visit the official website here before the deadline on 17 May.
Finalists will be invited to a special evening at the zoo to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have made on their local environment and community.
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