Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL18795

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan area. The dataset contains scanned original paper maps and survey reports for sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It includes soil grade mapping, with Grade 3 subdivided into 3a and 3b, and unedited sample point soils data for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyzing spatial patterns of soil quality and subgrades (e.g., 3a vs 3b) using the scanned map data.
• Integrating historical soil survey data with modern land use planning or environmental models.
• Studying soil pit descriptions and sample point data for detailed pedological analysis where available.

Strengths

• Based on the established 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' grading methodology.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Contains original survey materials, including maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Limitations

• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to the 1989-1999 survey period.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England (copyright).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999, with results captured in paper maps and reports later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough, England