Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP)

What is a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)?

A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) outlines how new or enhanced habitats associated with a development will be managed, monitored, and maintained over time, ensuring real, lasting gains for biodiversity.

While not yet a legal requirement in Ireland, local authorities and national policy increasingly encourage or require biodiversity enhancement and long-term ecological stewardship as part of planning conditions, particularly for large-scale, sensitive, or greenfield developments.

An HMMP provides the evidence that you’re managing land responsibly and sustainably, supporting both planning approvals and your organisation’s environmental commitments.

Ground Control Ireland’s HMMP Services

At Ground Control Ireland, we work with developers, planners, and asset managers to design and implement tailored HMMPs that:

• Are informed by detailed ecological baseline surveys
• Reflect the local character and biodiversity priorities
• Provide clear management actions for long-term habitat success
• Support compliance with planning and environmental obligations

Our HMMPs Include:

Baseline ecological assessment
We begin with a habitat survey of the site using Fossitt classification (or EUNIS, where relevant) to document existing habitats and ecological value.

Defined management objectives
Each plan includes habitat-specific goals, such as maintaining a native meadow, improving wetland condition, or encouraging pollinator diversity.

Prescriptive management actions
Tailored tasks for each habitat type, such as cutting regimes, invasive species control, reseeding, buffer zone creation, or hedgerow management.

Monitoring and adaptive management
We set out a monitoring schedule, success indicators, and a process for adapting the plan based on performance over time.

Reporting for planning compliance
We support clients with annual or scheduled reports to demonstrate progress and compliance to local authorities or third-party certifiers.

Supporting Biodiversity Beyond Compliance

Our HMMPs can be developed as standalone documents or as part of a broader biodiversity strategy, helping you:

• Meet Irish planning conditions
• Align with National Biodiversity Action Plan goals
• Demonstrate commitment to ESG and sustainable land stewardship
• Enhance the value and public perception of your development

Long-Term Habitat Success, Professionally Managed

We offer post-construction habitat monitoring and land management services to ensure your HMMP is not only implemented but also successful over the long term.