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

National Trust

NOAA Fisheries

Pacific Seafoods Group

Belfast City Council

National Trust NI

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)

Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

SAERI

NI Water

Environment Agency

Botanaeco

Siskin Asset Management

CB Dennis Trust

Tilhill Forestry

SAERI Falklands Limited

Aberdeen City Council

JNCC

National Biodiversity Data Centre Ireland

Wildbyte Technologies

Shetland Amenity Trust

BGS

Forest Research Scotland

Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar & Marine Research

Bioversity International

RSPB Scotland

Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd

DAERA

The Crown Estate

Geological Survey NI

Scottish water

3DEO

Historic Environment Scotland

Loughs Agency

Causeway, Coast & Glens Heritage Trust

RSPB NI

Marine Scotland

Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research

Mourne Heritage Trust

Ireland Brownfield Network

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Northern Ireland Environment Link

Aberdeen Harbour Board

Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)

Arup

Syngenta

Ulster Wildlife

NFU Scotland

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Forestry and Land Scotland

SEPA

National Trust for Scotland

James Hutton Institute

Ulster Farmers’ Union

The R&A