We, at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, are still reeling from the loss of Jennifer Fulton, Chief Executive of Ulster Wildlife, and a long-term member of our steering group, who sadly passed away in early May after a short illness.
Jennifer joined Ulster Wildlife in 2012, leading on many areas of work including peatland restoration. According to Ulster Wildlife, “Her commitment and drive to achieve nature’s recovery through our work was evident and an inspiration to anyone that knew her. Jennifer’s passing is not only a huge loss to Ulster Wildlife but to the wider nature conservation sector in Northern Ireland, in which she played a pivotal part.”
Over 80% of Northern Ireland’s peatlands are in poor condition, but through Jennifer’s leadership, Ulster Wildlife have been restoring a number of sites, working with a range of stakeholders, as well as leading on a project to map Northern Ireland’s peatlands.
Emma Hinchliffe, Director of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, reflects on her time working with Jennifer:
“The first time I met Jennifer in person was at our annual conference in Belfast in 2019. She had been so supportive of our event coming to Northern Ireland and had worked tirelessly to link us to all of the local partners and to help make the event a success for all involved. Jennifer continued to be a pivotal contact for us in Northern Ireland, due not only due to her collaborative outlook but also her ‘get stuff done’ attitude. We most recently met up for lunch in Edinburgh, whilst Jennifer was on holiday, to discuss an application for a large peatland funding bid - just a tiny example of her dedication to the cause! We will miss her but I know that her colleagues at Ulster Wildlife Trust and across Northern Ireland will continue her good work and keep the peatland agenda surging forwards.“
An online book of condolence is available for anyone who knew Jennifer through her role at Ulster Wildlife and who would like to leave a message of condolence for her family.
