‘An exceptional person’: Tributes paid following death of Ulster Wildlife CEO

Mrs Fulton passed away on Sunday following a short illness.

A death notice remembered her as a loved wife of Norman and a loving mother to Sarah, James and Peter, as well as “mother-in-law of Phil, sister of Owen and a dear sister-in-law”.

Mrs Fulton joined Ulster Wildlife as Chief Executive in 2012 and led the organisation through many areas of work, including farming with nature and peatland restoration.

The organisation sent “deep condolences” to her family.

"Jennifer’s commitment and drive to achieve nature’s recovery through our work was evident and an inspiration to anyone that knew her,” said a spokesperson.

"Her 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.

"As Jennifer’s colleagues and friends at Ulster Wildlife, we are understandably shocked and very saddened by her untimely death and we send our love and our thoughts to Jennifer’s husband Norman and their family at this most difficult of times.”

A book of condolences is to be set up on the Ulster Wildlife website to allow the public to pay respects to Mrs Fulton.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir was among those who led online tributes to Mrs Fulton.

"Immensely sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with Norman and family, plus the many friends and colleagues who worked with and knew Jennifer, an exceptional person who is deeply missed,” he said.

The department’s permanent secretary Katrina Godfrey said news of Mrs Fulton’s death was “heartbreaking”.

"Across DAERA we have been reflecting on Jennifer’s inspiring and passionate advocacy for our environment,” she said.

"We send our deepest condolences to our dear colleague Norman, to Sarah, James and Peter and the wider family circle and to all at Ulster Wildlife.”

Former NI Civil Service chief David Sterling – who is an Ulster Wildlife board member – said it was a “tragic loss”.

"Jennifer was a passionate advocate for nature recovery who inspired all who met her,” he said.

"Ulster Wildlife will work hard to progress the many vital projects she started so her legacy is a better environment. Sincere condolences to Norman and all her family.”

Environmental charity Keep NI Beautiful said Mrs Fulton would be “missed dearly”.

"We want to extend our deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family and her colleagues at Ulster Wildlife,” they said.

"She was a passionate advocate for our wildlife and the wider environment. Her dedication and energy for the things she believed in was always an inspiration.”

Mrs Fulton’s funeral service will take place at Stevenson’s Funeral Home, Cushendall Road, Ballymena on Wednesday May 8 at 1.00pm, followed by interment at Connor New Cemetery.

The family have asked that any donations be made to Ulster Wildlife.