A national award will celebrate the educators inspiring young people and encouraging the UK to go green.

Chester Zoo is encouraging teachers and educators across Cheshire and the North to take part, as nominations open for its National Education Awards.

Now in their fifth year, the awards celebrate education heroes, eco-focused schools, and initiatives helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. A new category has also been added for 2026.

Naiara Dunn, Assistant Team Manager - Schools Engagement at Chester Zoo, said: "We know schools across the UK do amazing conservation work.

"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."

Entry is free and open until 17 May. Educators, schools, colleges and youth-focused environmental initiatives across the UK can be nominated.

This year introduces the Outstanding Conservation Education Partnership Award, recognising organisations working with schools to inspire young people, support teachers, engage communities and deliver high-quality conservation learning.

Nominations are also open for the Outstanding Conservation Educator Award, for individuals bringing conservation learning to life in creative ways, as well as Outstanding Conservation School and Outstanding Conservation Initiative categories.

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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 feel empowered to make a difference."

Nominations can be made via the Chester Zoo website.