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

Syngenta

Botanaeco

RSPB Scotland

Forest Research Scotland

NOAA Fisheries

NFU Scotland

JNCC

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)

DAERA

Loughs Agency

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

The Crown Estate

Tilhill Forestry

National Trust

Scottish water

Forestry and Land Scotland

3DEO

Geological Survey NI

RSPB NI

Arup

Siskin Asset Management

Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)

The R&A

NI Water

James Hutton Institute

Belfast City Council

BGS

Ireland Brownfield Network

SAERI Falklands Limited

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

National Trust NI

Mourne Heritage Trust

Aberdeen Harbour Board

Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute

Wildbyte Technologies

Pacific Seafoods Group

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Causeway, Coast & Glens Heritage Trust

Ulster Wildlife

Environment Agency

Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research

Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar & Marine Research

National Biodiversity Data Centre Ireland

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Bioversity International

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd

Northern Ireland Environment Link

SAERI

Marine Scotland

Shetland Amenity Trust

Ulster Farmers’ Union

SEPA

Aberdeen City Council

CB Dennis Trust