ALCR11592: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports (1989-1999)

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports for the Scaynes Hill site, detailing Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) grades. The data was collected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999 using the official grading methodology. Some surveys also include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the official ALC grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyzing soil quality variations using the unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions mentioned for some surveys.
• Mapping land use potential at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 based on the scanned original paper maps.
• Comparing land grades over time for sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999.

Strengths

• Uses the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' methodology, ensuring standardized grading.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail for moderate quality land.
• Original survey materials (scanned maps and reports) are preserved, offering historical fidelity.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; current update status is unknown.

Geography

Scaynes Hill, Church Road (Haywards Heath), England and Wales.