British Society of Soil Science upcoming events

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) (11 November 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

[Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 November, 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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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

BSSS Annual Conference (01 December 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The British Society of Soil Science 2026 Annual Conference will take place from Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 December in Aberdeen. The overall conference theme is Soils at the Centre of Change: Innovation, Adaptation and Action. The packed multi-disciplinary event spanning the built, natural environment and agricultural sectors, set at the University of Aberdeen, will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science. The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the 2 days. The full programme will be released in due course.

The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the 2 days. This will include a policy session, discussion panel sessions, an invited keynote, oral presentations and posters across the 5 themes, quickfire presentations, parallel CPD sessions, an art and culture exhibition, and scientific tours on the final day. We will also be holding a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening on the first night of the Annual Conference.

The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to examine how soil science can drive practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental, societal, and policy challenges we face today.

With growing global attention on climate resilience, land use, food security, and nature recovery, soils are increasingly recognised as fundamental to sustainable systems. This event will provide a platform to discuss innovation, adaptation, and action across research, policy, and practice, with a particular focus on:

The role of soils in climate mitigation and adaptation
Soil–water interactions, flood resilience, and water quality
Digital technologies and data-driven approaches in soil science
The contribution of soils to ecosystems, livelihoods, and human wellbeing
Translating soil science into effective policy and on-the-ground action

For more details and to book tickets, visit: https://www.bsssconference.org.uk/

Gala Dinner (02 December 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

We will be holding a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening as part of our Annual Conference in Aberdeen on Wednesday 2 December. This will consist of a drinks reception and 3 course meal, as well as entertainment from a ceilidh band and awards at Union Kirk in Aberdeen City Centre, providing an authentic experience for the conference.

Tickets to the dinner are £55.83 + VAT. You do not need to be attending the conference to attend the Gala Dinner.

To register, visit: https://abdn.eventsair.com/bsss-british-society-of-soil-science/conference-dinner-only-site

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) (10 March 2027)

Wed, 10 Mar 2027 09:00:00 GMT