Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) 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 training course, designed and presented by agricultural land classification (ALC) experts from Natural England and the Welsh Government, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the background and technical basis of the current ALC guidelines.

By the end of the course you will learn:

• about 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.

The virtual course will consist of three consecutive half-day morning sessions (Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 November) and a further question and answer session two weeks later (Tuesday 7 December).

Course Programme and Speaker Biographies

The course programme and speaker biographies are available to download online.

Pre-Requisites

For non-soil specialists, prior or subsequent attendance on our Working with Soil course, Exposing and Describing a Soil Profile, or equivalent is highly recommended.

Certification and CPD

Following attendance at the three November sessions, delegates will receive a completion certificate.

Delegates should review the BSSS Working with Soil ALC competencies to understand what additional training and practical work they should undertake to be fully competent in this area of work.

CPD has been applied for through BASIS.

Cancellation Policy

Please view the cancellation policy for this event here.