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
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
NI Water
National Trust NI
Loughs Agency
Botanaeco
CB Dennis Trust
Mourne Heritage Trust
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Northern Ireland Environment Link
JNCC
Pacific Seafoods Group
Aberdeen City Council
Wildbyte Technologies
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
Tilhill Forestry
SEPA
SAERI
National Trust for Scotland
NOAA Fisheries
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Aberdeen Harbour Board
Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research
National Biodiversity Data Centre Ireland
BGS
James Hutton Institute
Bioversity International
Belfast City Council
Causeway, Coast & Glens Heritage Trust
RSPB Scotland
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar & Marine Research
Geological Survey NI
Ulster Farmers’ Union
Arup
Siskin Asset Management
Ulster Wildlife
Marine Scotland
Syngenta
Environment Agency
Forest Research Scotland
Scottish water
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Ireland Brownfield Network
Forestry and Land Scotland
RSPB NI
Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)
3DEO
Historic Environment Scotland
The Crown Estate
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
SAERI Falklands Limited
NFU Scotland
The R&A
DAERA
National Trust
Shetland Amenity Trust