Louth students’ biodiversity film shortlisted for national award

Meadow Magic, a short film created by students from Mullaghbuoy National School and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), has been shortlisted in the Nature Media Award category at the 2026 Working with Nature Awards.

The awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to nature restoration, conservation, education and communication across Ireland, took place at Powerscourt Estate on 23 July. The event brought together conservationists, educators, filmmakers and community groups from across the country.

Created by students from Mullaghbuoy National School and DkIT, Meadow Magic celebrates Ireland's grasslands and the important role they play in supporting pollinators and other wildlife. The film's message is simple: when we allow parts of our gardens and green spaces to grow wild, nature can thrive.

The project was written by Aoibhéann McCann and Paddy C. Courtney. It was funded by Louth County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) through the Local Authority Biodiversity Action Fund. The project also received support from Athrach, DkIT, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and Ceangal.

Congratulating the students and all those involved, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, said: "I would like to congratulate the students of Mullaghbuoy National School and DkIT on this fantastic achievement.

“Being shortlisted for a national award reflects their creativity, hard work, and commitment to raising awareness of nature and biodiversity. Through Meadow Magic, they have shown how powerful young people's voices can be in inspiring positive action."

Commenting on the awards, 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."

Aoibhéann McCann, co-writer, producer and director of Meadow Magic, added: "To have Meadow Magic recognised alongside so many inspiring projects from across Ireland is very special.

“The students brought enormous creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to the project, and they should be extremely proud of what they achieved.

“Awards like these are important because they give people of all ages and backgrounds a platform to share their work and encourage others to take action for nature.

“It is particularly encouraging to see young people's contribution to conservation being recognised and celebrated."

The overall Outstanding Nature Protector Award was presented to Hare's Corner, a biodiversity project coordinated by Burrenbeo Trust.

The initiative supports landowners, schools and communities to create wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, heritage orchards, hedgerows, and other habitats across Ireland.

Earlier this year, Louth County Council partnered with the Hare's Corner project, in supporting local landowners and community groups to establish 35 mini-woodlands, 79 heritage orchards, 52 wildlife hedges and several other biodiversity efforts across the county.

Louth County Council Biodiversity Officer, Helen Hanratty, said: "The success of Meadow Magic and our partnership with award winning Hare's Corner project highlights the wide range of biodiversity work happening across County Louth.

“From supporting young people to tell nature stories, to helping communities and landowners create new habitats, these projects show what can be achieved through collaboration. Together, they are making a real difference for nature and helping more people get involved in protecting it."

Meadow Magic is now available to watch on Louth County Council's YouTube channel.