Hi everyone, my name is Emma Hayes and I am a Queen’s University graduate in Geography. My QUADRAT project is investigating and designing new multi-method approaches to combat and evaluate the issues of soil erosion and nutrient run-off across agricultural land in Northern Ireland and Scotland. A variety of techniques are employed in my project including remote sensing, computer modelling and chemical analyses. I come from a rural background and the issues faced through climate change and the demands on agriculture for sustainable practise and maximum productivity is immense. In an ever-changing climate, new strategies must be developed to maximise the potential of agricultural yields whilst also minimising damages to our fragile ecosystems. My project builds upon the skills I have developed at undergraduate level, in particular, my interest in environmental modelling. I used this extensively in my undergraduate dissertation which analysed coastal erosion around Strangford Lough using various functions of ArcGIS. Since a young age, I have always desired to further my education to its maximum potential and studying for a doctorate is simply a dream come true. In my spare time, I compete in endurance riding and have represented Ireland several times competing overseas.
QUADRAT Sponsors and Partners

RSPB NI

National Trust

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Geological Survey NI

Scottish water

Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute

JNCC

Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar & Marine Research

3DEO

Wildbyte Technologies

Bioversity International

Pacific Seafoods Group

National Biodiversity Data Centre Ireland

Ireland Brownfield Network

SEPA

Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

NFU Scotland

Environment Agency

Botanaeco

Siskin Asset Management

Marine Scotland

Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

NOAA Fisheries

BGS

National Trust for Scotland

RSPB Scotland

Ulster Farmers’ Union

James Hutton Institute

Aberdeen Harbour Board

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)

Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research

Tilhill Forestry

Forestry and Land Scotland

Belfast City Council

Forest Research Scotland

Causeway, Coast & Glens Heritage Trust

The R&A

The Crown Estate

CB Dennis Trust

SAERI

Aberdeen City Council

SAERI Falklands Limited

Shetland Amenity Trust

Historic Environment Scotland

Ulster Wildlife

National Trust NI

Loughs Agency

DAERA

Mourne Heritage Trust

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd

Syngenta

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

NI Water

Arup

Northern Ireland Environment Link