At a time when research shows Ireland is among the least nature-connected countries in the world, a new national initiative, Bitesize Biodiversity, is being launched to help teachers and students reconnect with the living world through simple, peer-to-peer nature learning.

A recent global study looked at nature disconnection between people and nature globally and Ireland ranks among the lowest 10 countries. A more local study in Irish schools linked the declining knowledge of common plants to the worrying erosion of plant biology and biodiversity from the second level curriculum. With every generation our connection to nature has further deteriorated, but teachers in classrooms have the potential to tackle and reverse this trend.

The Bitesize Biodiversity movement aims to change this trajectory by supporting teachers with practical, accessible learning that fits into busy school schedules. The programme has received strong positive feedback from participating teachers.

“I love the 15 minutes of biodiversity each week. The format is fab and I learn something new every time,” said Michelle Hardiman, a teacher at Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School. “I love bringing little snippets of information into my classes, and focusing on one species each week is great for my brain. Thank you to all involved.”

Teachers involved in the programme report increased confidence, motivation, and a deeper connection to nature. Many have translated their learning into school-based actions, including biodiversity-focused nature walks, outdoor lessons, and species-spotting activities, helping to counter plant blindness for both teachers and students. Research shows that noticing nature also supports positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

Developed by the Irish Schools Sustainability Network (ISSN) in partnership with Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI), Biodiversity in Schools, and Green Schools An Taisce, the programme offers weekly 15-minute online sessions where teachers learn about one native Irish species at a time, along with ready-to-use classroom resources.

“This research, along with other barriers, makes it even more important that we support the teaching community to improve their nature literacy and connection,” said Dr Mary Moore, Co-Director of the ISSN. “As adults, many of us didn’t receive this education unless we happened to have a teacher who was passionate about nature. Some progress has been made, but it’s not good enough. Let’s break the cycle and change the system.”

Founded in 2022, Bitesize Biodiversity has already covered almost 100 native Irish flora and fauna species. Each session takes place weekly at 4pm, allowing teachers to learn together and immediately bring biodiversity learning into their classrooms.

“Bitesize Biodiversity is a great way to empower teachers and schools to share the importance of the natural world and of nature to children at all levels of education. As an island nation who are proud of our natural heritage it is key that we build the ecological literacy of all learners. The Irish School Sustainability Network, led by volunteer teachers, are playing a key role to increase the knowledge and confidence of teachers across the country, from inner city schools to the small, rural ones I myself attended, through these short, weekly, friendly online sessions.” said Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration.

Beyond the weekly sessions, Bitesize Biodiversity fosters a strong sense of community and collective learning. The initiative is delivered in partnership and the ISSN has also established a national Biodiversity Working Group and is developing a Biodiversity Champions Programme for 2026 to empower students across Ireland to lead biodiversity action in their schools.

The national launch forms part of the New Season in Nature Education campaign, which is encouraging school teachers across Ireland to make a New Year’s resolution to commit just 15 minutes each week, when they can, to Bitesize Biodiversity.

As part of the launch month, ISSN is hosting:

● Comhrá Cuppas – an interactive event with lightning talks on biodiversity – 28 January 7-8pm

● Bitesize Biodiversity Special: Rushes – 3 February 4-4.15pm, celebrating renewal and Ireland’s biodiversity heritage for St Brigid’s Day

● Leadership in Nature Education Panel – 10 February 7-7.40pm

Throughout the month, teachers can also take part in weekly social actions, classroom prompts, nature walks, and species-spotting challenges shared online and win prizes.

To join the Bitesize Biodiversity Movement and sign up, visit: https://www.issn.ie/bitesize-biodiversity