Southend Fossetts Farm: Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification Survey

Scanned paper maps and survey reports from the Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) detailed site survey program. The data covers the Southend, Fossetts Farm site and was produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999. Surveys use the grading methodology from 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' and include soil data and pit descriptions for some sites.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability grades based on the detailed ALC methodology described.
• Analyze soil characteristics and limitations for specific sites using the available point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map land use suitability for planning purposes based on the geospatial boundaries and subgrade classifications (3a, 3b).
• Study historical land quality assessments from the late 20th century based on the survey time period.

Strengths

• Original survey data from a government program (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) conducted between 1989 and 1999.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Some surveys are supplemented with unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; published via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with original paper maps and reports, later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data is from 1989-1999; last update date for the digital record is unknown.

Geography

Southend, Fossetts Farm site in England (likely).