ALCL06295: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Cowpen, 1989-1999

Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data for the Cowpen area, collected by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps, survey reports, and for some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. It is published by the Government Digital Service and contains Natural England and Ordnance Survey data.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the official grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyzing soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Mapping land quality for planning and development decisions based on the detailed geospatial survey maps.
• Studying historical land classification practices and data collection methods from the late 20th century.

Strengths

• Uses the established grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b for more detailed analysis.
• Contains original survey materials like scanned maps and reports, providing primary source data.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, which may affect consistency when comparing sites.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (survey), Government Digital Service (publisher).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by government agencies, with results recorded in paper maps and reports later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data collected between 1989 and 1999; last update date for the dataset is unknown.

Geography

Cowpen area, Blyth Valley, England.