Dr Emma Hart

FOUNDER

Dr Emma Hart is a conservation ecologist, author and founder of Habitats, a consultancy working at the intersection of nature restoration, policy and practice. She advises organisations across Ireland and the EU on biodiversity strategy, regenerative agriculture, rewilding, nature finance and restoration delivery.

Her work combines strategic advisory experience with practical delivery. She has a longstanding association with research at University College Dublin and has supported the delivery of major EU-funded restoration projects, with a particular focus on translating complex research into policy engagement and practical implementation. She has also contributed to international initiatives including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Biodiversa+, NetworkNature and the EU Green Deal Nature Restoration Cluster.

Emma is also founder of Oysterhaven Biodiversity Reserve, a 50-acre nature reserve and research site in south-west Ireland, where she works with researchers, NGOs and public bodies to test practical approaches to nature restoration.

She holds a PhD in conservation ecology and an MSc in psychology, bringing both scientific and behavioural insight to complex environmental challenges. Earlier in her career, she spent seven years leading conservation and research expeditions across sub-Saharan Africa, often on horseback.

Tailored Teams for Every Project

Emma leads every project and works with a trusted network of specialist collaborators. Depending on the scope of each project, she assembles tailored teams across ecology, land use planning, nature finance, community engagement and sustainability reporting.

client testimonials

  • "Emma provided excellent support to the EU Green Deal Nature Restoration Cluster, demonstrating strong coordination skills and an ability to synthesise complex research and policy evidence into clear, structured outputs with practical relevance for policymakers and practitioners"

    Dr. Laura Palomo, Research Executive Authority, European Commission

  • "Emma and the team at Habitats brought real clarity and rigour to a complex and evolving space. Their work at Dunsany Estate with Irish Trees helped translate 'Biodiversity Net Gain' from concept into something structured, measurable and credible on the ground. They combine strong ecological expertise with practical, clear delivery - adding value at every encounter"

    Bob Hamilton, Irish Trees / Dunsany Estate

  • "Emma delivered a comprehensive and highly professional piece of work, distilling complex biodiversity policy and regulatory requirements into an accessible format that was easily understood. Clear and consistent communication before, during, and after delivery ensured the final output was precisely aligned with our requirements"

    Cathal Pendred, Sustainability Projects Specialist, daa

  • "Emma is terrific to work with. Meticulous, well-organised and really professional in her approach, she always delivers on-time and to a high standard. Her breath of experience as a researcher, author, consultant and land manager makes for a unique combination that few others can equal"

    Dr. Brendan Dunford, Burrenbeo Trust, Project ReFarm

  • "Emma brought a depth of knowledge and expertise in biodiversity conservation to the project as well as a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. Emma was great to work with, delivering the project on schedule and to a very high standard and I wouldn't hesitate to use Emma's services again for high quality academic research"

    William Fitzmaurice, UCD Earth Institute

  • "Emma has an excellent ability to translate hard science into clear, easy-to-digest information that aims to encourage action. She is very personable, and has a natural ability to deal with all professions within this sector, from farmers to academics. Emma is highly professional with a calm manner that gets the work delivered on time. Above all, she is passionate about what she does and it shows"

    Brigid Barry, Farming for Nature

  • "Emma was fantastic to work with. She really listened and was very thorough in finding out what sort of research we wanted and was really good at helping us figure out what sort of research we actually needed for our project. All her work was on time and excellently finished. Her own passion for the environment really shone through her work and her enthusiasm for the project gave us great confidence moving forwards"

    Saoirse McHugh, Wild Parks