ALCR12793: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Thatcham, 1989-1999

Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data for the Thatcham, North of ChamberHouse Farm site. The data includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability 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 quality subdivisions, such as Grade 3a and 3b, for regional agricultural planning.
• Integrate historical land classification data with modern GIS layers for longitudinal land use studies.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a defined 10-year period from 1989 to 1999.
• Includes detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Original survey maps and reports provide methodological transparency and context.

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 (MAFF), published via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil mapping and analysis, conducted between 1989 and 1999.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data is historical, covering 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Thatcham, North of ChamberHouse Farm (Berks MP Site OS1), England.