ALCR04492: Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Oxted, England

Oxted, Swaynesland Farm (Edenbridge Golf Course) in England is the subject of this detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey. The data comprises scanned original paper maps and reports from site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, using the grading methodology from 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'. Some surveys also include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil quality variations using the unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions mentioned for some surveys.
• Map land use suitability for planning purposes based on the scanned original maps showing Grade 3 subdivisions (3a and 3b).
• Study historical land classification trends in England using surveys from the 1989-1999 period.

Strengths

• Surveys use the established grading methodology from the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' document.
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Original scanned maps and reports preserve the detail of surveys conducted 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.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil analysis, resulting in paper maps and reports which were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection occurred between 1989 and 1999; last update is unknown.

Geography

Oxted, Swaynesland Farm (Edenbridge Golf Course), England