A new land capability mapping system for Wales has been launched, and is the first major update since the original maps were produced in the early 1970’s.
The Predictive Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Map allows land users, planners and Government to make informed choices about how agricultural land is used in Wales.
The map, launched by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, identifies the potential versatility of land to support a range of cropping choices.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the launch. Speaking at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The release of this new ALC map marks a major step forward, and the Welsh Government should be commended for undertaking an initiative which we understand is a first in the UK.”
The ALC system classifies land into one of five grades, with the grade based on a range of properties and the overall grade assigned based on the poorest feature.
However, the interactive map also allows users to view other predictive information, including ALC grades by individual limitation according to: climate, soil depth, droughtiness, rock outcrops, wind exposure, top soil stone, gradient, workability & wetness, and surveyor experience.
“This makes it possible to see why land is graded in a certain way, while identifying both the positive and negative attributes of the land.
“As with all data, there will be some glitches and inaccuracies due to lower resolution datasets, but this marks a step change compared with what has been available to date,” said Mr Roberts.
