A New Chapter of Leadership for Mourne Heritage Trust 

Mourne Heritage Trust has welcomed Nigel McKinney as its new Chief Executive, taking over from Martin Carey, who served in the role since 2006.

Nigel brings extensive experience in the community and voluntary sector. He has spent more than 30 years working with community organisations across Northern Ireland, most recently as an independent consultant undertaking assignments for environmental, homelessness, rural development, and other organisations. 

A native of Enniskillen, Nigel has lived with his family in the Mournes for more than 20 years, where he is deeply committed to practical conservation, habitat creation, and biodiversity at home. He is also very active within the local community as a founding member of the Dolmens Climate Action Network. He has also completed GeoAmbassador training, enhancing his skills in conservation and community engagement.  A longstanding user of the Mourne AONB, Nigel regularly enjoys walking, cycling, and running in the outdoors. 

Welcoming the appointment, Trust Chairman David Maginn commented ‘After an exhaustive recruitment process, I have no doubt Nigel will bring considerable commitment and energy to Mourne Heritage Trust, as well as a wealth of relevant experience. I look forward to working with him to address the growing challenges and seize the opportunities facing the Mourne AONB landscape in this new chapter for our charity’.  

Outgoing CEO Martin Carey, who will work alongside his successor during a handover period of several weeks, said: “I wish Nigel every success in what is, at times, a challenging role, but always an interesting and rewarding one. He will be supported by a highly experienced and dedicated staff team, as well as engaged and passionate stakeholders and partner organisations. I am confident he will receive the same help and support that I have so greatly appreciated during my two decades of ‘Caring for Mourne.’” 

Mr McKinney said: “I am delighted to have joined the Mourne Heritage Trust team as its new CEO. I have long admired the team’s vital work and their important collaborations with others, particularly in the face of the growing challenges affecting the landscape, people, and places across the AONB. I have begun meeting Trust staff and partner organisations, and I have been struck by the warmth of the welcome and the evident passion and commitment of everyone involved. I am also very grateful for the benefit of an extended handover period with Martin. Many of the issues facing the AONB are complex and long term, and caring for Mourne requires deep, sustained collaboration. The Trust, together with its staff and partners, has embodied these values for many years, and I am committed to building on and further developing that legacy.”