Agricultural Land Classification: West Heath Site Survey Maps and Reports (1989-1999)

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the West Heath site in West Sussex. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It features the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, and for some surveys includes unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the grading methodology described in the linked official guidelines.
• Analyze soil characteristics and land quality for specific sites using the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Map land grade subdivisions (e.g., 3a and 3b) for regional agricultural planning.
• Conduct historical analysis of land use and soil survey practices from the late 1980s to 1990s.

Strengths

• Uses the current grading methodology as described in the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' publication.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing more detailed classification.
• For some surveys, includes unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• 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 of detail.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, with results recorded on paper maps and in reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data is from surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

West Heath, West Sussex, England (Site 26)