DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has appointed Christine Maggs as the new chair of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC). Eight new members have also been named to the statutory advisory body.

The three-year terms take effect from 24 August 2026 and run until 23 August 2029. The chair role requires a commitment of 48 days per year and attracts remuneration of £11,033 per annum, a figure that is under review. The member roles involve 18 days per year and are unpaid.

Minister Muir said the appointees would play a key role as the department advances environmental programmes for nature recovery. He thanked Sara McCracken for serving as interim chair and welcomed her return to the deputy chair role. He also thanked departing members John Martin, Noel Rice and Rosemary Thomas for their contributions.

The CNCC provides expertise and advice to DAERA on nature conservation and protection, including Areas of Special Scientific Interest, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature reserves and the protection of wildlife species.

Christine Maggs was previously head of the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, where she is now an honorary professor, and served as chief scientist of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee from 2017 to 2022. She is a member of the Royal Irish Academy.

The new members are Aine Anderson, a researcher in agricultural nutrients and renewable energy; Fiona Bryant, a project manager in outdoor recreation and landscape management; Mark Dickey-Collas, an independent marine and coastal science consultant; Ruth Hunter, professor of public and planetary health at Queen’s University Belfast; Martha McKee, a doctoral researcher in marine ecology at Queen’s; Diane Ruddock, former external affairs manager for the National Trust in Northern Ireland; Marc Ruddock, a raptor biologist and consultant; and Mark Scott, professor of regional and urban planning at University College Dublin.

The appointments were made on merit and political activity played no part in the selection process. None of the appointees were involved in any political activity during the past five years.