Minister Muir makes new appointments to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)

1. The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC) is a statutory advisory council to DAERA established under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Amended) (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.

2. The Chair position has a time commitment of 48 days per annum and attracts a remuneration of £11,033 (under review) per annum.

3. The time commitment for the member’s role is 18 days per annum and is not renumerated.

4. The appointments are effective from 24 August 2026 until 23 August 2029.

5. Biographies 

Christine Maggs

Christine Maggs was Head of the School of Biological Sciences and Professor of Phycology at Queen’s University Belfast, where she is now Honorary Professor. Christine’s research specialism is focused on molecular systematics of red and green seaweeds, particularly aliens, and the interface between marine conservation and sustainable seaweed exploitation. Christine was Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Bournemouth University then held the role of Chief Scientist of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee from 2017-2022, providing advice to statutory and other organisations on matters of nature conservation. Christine is a Member of the Royal Irish Academy.

Aine Anderson
Aine Anderson’s primary degree is in physical geography, from the University of Edinburgh. Aine is a researcher and consultant specialising in agricultural nutrients and renewable energy. Her research work in her former role at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) focused on sustainable nutrient management, water-pollution mitigations and phosphorous management. She holds a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, where her research focused on analysing and mapping farm nutrient balances in Northern Ireland. She currently works in a farm advisory and consultancy role for a company of chartered surveyors specialising in rural property and business management and is a FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme) certified adviser, trained in the efficient and environmentally responsible nutrient management and fertiliser use.

Fiona Bryant
Fiona Bryant has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Fiona has a background in project management in the outdoor recreation, landscape management, heritage and rural tourism sectors, including three major Landscape Partnership schemes. She is experienced in the preparation of landscape management plans, involving designated areas and protected landscapes including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and those with statutory protections, and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site management in Northern Ireland.

Mark Dickey-Collas
Mark Dickey-Collas is an experienced marine and coastal scientist who works as an independent consultant, specialising in the provision of scientific advice to governments on marine conservation, fisheries, biodiversity and ecosystem‑based management. He also contributes to a range of international government organisations including the and civil society expert groups, panels and committees, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He has held senior leadership roles in major international marine science organisations and is a former Chair of the Advisory Committee of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Ruth Hunter
Ruth Hunter is a Professor of Public and Planetary Health and Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. Ruth’s research and project work spans across a range of public health and environmental issues and includes studies on green and blue spaces, systems‑level analysis of ecosystems and environment, pollution and invasive species. She is Co‑Chair of the Belfast Climate Commission, and a Board Member of the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment.

Martha McKee
Martha McKee is a doctoral researcher in Marine Ecology at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on the restoration of native oyster reefs (Ostrea edulis) to develop coastal resilience against climate-related threats such as storm surges, coastal erosion and sea-level rise. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Ecosystem Management and has extensive fieldwork experience across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Her previous background includes roles as a research assistant, training AI models for seabird identification in Scotland and mapping subtidal seagrass decline in Greece. Martha has also worked in administrative positions for the University of St Andrews and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Diane Ruddock OBE
Diane Ruddock worked for the National Trust for 37 years, until retiring in March 2024 from her role as External Affairs Manager for Northern Ireland. She headed up the conservation charity’s advocacy and communications team, leading on policy and engagement across a range of nature conservation, land use and environmental issues. Diane has experience as an advisory and environmental representative on review and stakeholder groups including as an expert panel member for the Independent Review of Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland (2025). She previously served on the board of Northern Ireland Environment Link.

Marc Ruddock 
Marc Ruddock is a raptor biologist. Marc holds an honours degree in Zoology and a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast. Marc is a consultant ornithologist and ecologist in the private sector and for the Golden Eagle Trust in Ireland, where he has worked on the reintroduction of red kites and the restoration and conservation of protected species and habitats, integrating this work with result-based agri-environment approaches. Marc has worked on numerous national surveys, including hen harrier, peregrine, red kite and merlin, and has been responsible for developing bird disturbance and windfarm ornithology guidance for a range of raptors, waders, owls and waterfowl for statutory bodies across the UK and Ireland. Marc is a volunteer Trustee and Raptor Monitoring Officer for the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG).

Mark Scott
Mark Scott is Professor of Regional and Urban Planning at University College Dublin, specialising in sustainability, land use and rural development. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and previously served as Dean of the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture. Mark’s background is in environmental planning and his work spans a range of research and policy advisory roles, including advising governments, parliamentary bodies and international organisations on land‑use and planning issues. His research interests include land use planning, rural planning and development, green infrastructure, climate change and sustainable development. He is currently Chair of the Historic Monuments Council (Northern Ireland) and a Board Member of the Heritage Council (Ireland).

6. The above appointments are based on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) requires the political activity of appointees to be published. The appointee(s) has/have not been involved in any political activity during the past five years.

7. The statutory role of the CNCC is also covered by the provisions of The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.

8. Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.

9. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.

10. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.