ALCR01496: West Kingsdown Agricultural Land Classification Survey

West Kingsdown, Scratchers Lane is a detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports for sites surveyed between 1989 and 1999, using the grading methodology from the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. It contains unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land quality based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map land use suitability for planning and development based on the scanned original maps and subgrade classifications.
• Study historical land classification changes by comparing this post-1988 survey data with earlier records.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Original survey materials such as scanned paper maps and reports are available.
• Survey methodology is explicitly linked to the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting 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.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by the Ministry, with results captured in paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data is from 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

West Kingsdown, Scratchers Lane, England