The Council normally meets bi-monthly with additional ad hoc meetings to consider specific policy issues. The Council can undertake field visits and these have often focused on designation, protection and management of sites of nature conservation value.
The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC) was established in 1989 under the provisions of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. Its statutory role is also covered by the provisions of The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.