Wouldham Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Detailed Soil and Land Grading Maps

England and Wales land classification data from the Wouldham survey, conducted 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 uses the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' publication.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point and soil pit description data.
• Map land use suitability for planning or conservation based on the geospatial survey maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Original survey maps and reports provide methodological transparency and historical context.
• Some surveys contain supplementary unedited soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; data is historical from 1989-1999 and freshness is unverified.
• Mapping scales and level of detail vary between 1:5,000 and 1:50,000 across individual sites.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), provided via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, following the published 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' methodology.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

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

Geography

England and Wales, specifically the Wouldham survey area.