Celebrating Progress and Partnerships: AGM 2025

Our Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday 27th November in the Kilmorey Arms, Kilkeel, bringing together members, volunteers, and partners for an evening of reflection and forward-looking discussion. The Chairman, David Maginn, opened the evening on a positive note, followed by a clear overview of this year’s accounts. David also paid tribute to Trust Board members who were standing down, acknowledging their vision, commitment, and service:

• Isabel Hood, 27 years
• Ian Watts, 17 years
• Laura Devlin, 10 years
• Geoff Simmons, 8 years

William John Martin was also re-elected to the Board.

Building on that momentum, we were delighted to welcome our new CEO, Nigel McKinney, who shared his early reflections since stepping into the role. He emphasized the importance of the Trust working more widely across the whole AONB, engaging closely with communities, and diversifying funding streams as we plan for the future.

That focus on growth and sustainability led naturally into the evening’s theme of volunteering. Emma Thompson, our Volunteer Development Officer, presented impressive statistics from the year so far, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in strengthening the Trust. By the end of November 2025, volunteers contributed 2,104 hours across 117 events and activities, involving 130 unique individuals ! To bring those numbers to life, Nigel hosted a Q&A with three volunteers (Olwen Laird, Alan Whitcroft and Derek Moorhead), who spoke passionately about their experiences and what first inspired them to get involved.

Continuing the theme of development, Teresa O’Hare, Landscape Services Development Manager, provided an update on the PEAT+ project, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Teresa also announced the exciting news that three new roles within the Mourne Heritage Trust are now live across recruitment platforms. This initiative further demonstrates our commitment to caring for and safeguarding the landscape we all value.

The evening concluded with insights from our guest speaker, Dr Paul Mullan, Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Northern Ireland. He praised the strong partnerships showcased throughout the AGM and reflected on the power of heritage to unite communities, underscoring the importance of meaningful engagement.

Overall, the AGM was a resounding success — a celebration of collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for the Mournes.