Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

[Wednesday 10 - Thursday 11 March, Cranfield University] [This is a 2-day, in-person training course.]

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) has a formal role in the planning system in England and Wales and is designed to prevent the loss of our best and most versatile land in line with the principles of sustainable development.

This two day training course, designed by agricultural land classification (ALC) experts from Natural England and the Welsh Government and delivered by experienced ALC practitioners with around 100 years of ALC and soil experience between them, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the background and technical basis of the current ALC guidelines. It is an introduction to the ALC system but does not provide the hands on experience in ALC surveying skills, gained over a minimum of a year’s fieldwork, required to carry out an ALC survey to required competence levels.

By the end of the course you will learn:

• how the ALC system has developed over time, its underlying principles and its role within the planning system – the WHAT, WHY and WHEN of ALC 
• all the details of how land is graded – the HOW of ALC 
• what a report should contain to be verified by the Natural England and Welsh Government statutory consultees on planning applications involving soils and agriculture. 

The course will include the opportunity to work within a group to undertake an ALC grading desk exercise to apply what you have learned. This course is designed for soil scientists who wish to extend their experience to (or refresh an existing awareness of) Agricultural Land Classification, those commissioning ALC surveys from specialists, and planners reviewing ALC reports. 

Delegates are expected to have a level of competency with regards to soil sampling and classification; and these are topics which are covered on our practical Working with Soil training courses.

Food and drink will be provided. 

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