Announcement of new Interim Chair of the Northern Ireland Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has appointed Sara McCracken to serve as Interim Chair of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC), while a public appointment process is underway to fill this vacancy. The appointment will be effective from 6 April 2026, for a maximum period of six months or until a new Chair is appointed, whichever is the sooner. 

The CNCC is a statutory advisor to DAERA on matters affecting nature conservation and the countryside. It also offers advice to other government departments on matters relevant to its remit.

Sara McCracken was originally appointed as Deputy Chair of the CNCC on 1 March 2025 to a three-year term.

Notes to editors:

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. Sara McCracken is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (FCIPR) and has a background education in Zoology with Genetics and currently works as a PR trainer and consultant. She is formerly Head of Fundraising and Communications for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and has experience in different areas including environment, health, education, politics, equestrian and agri-rural businesses. Sara has worked in established businesses and new organisations at a senior level, and has provided expert advice, leadership and communications training to many organisations. She has worked on many campaigns including some that have resulted in legislative change.
3. The CNCC Chair position is remunerated at £11,033 per annum (under review).
4. Appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI).  Appointments are based on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner requires the political activity of appointees to be published. The appointee has not been involved in any political activity during the past five years.