M.D. Advice/Tips
Metal detecting is a fascinating hobby and Metal detectors can be A valuable archaeological tool when used responsibly. During many archaeological excavations metal detectors are used to check the spoil for any objects missed. They can also be used to retrieve finds from disturbed plough-soil which might have otherwise simply rusted away. As well as a variety of other locations such as beaches, parks, woodland and even your Garden. There is a “Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-Detecting in England and Wales” which outlines best practice for those using metal detectors and has been fully endorsed by archaeological groups and national metal detecting bodies.
You can find the Code of practice for responsible metal detecting by CLICKING HERE
Sites Protected by Law
Please be aware Certain sites, which are considered to be of not only of local but also of national archaeological importance, are protected by law. It is illegal to use a metal detector on a Scheduled Ancient Monument without prior written permission from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, English Heritage and the landowner. Metal detecting is also an offence on sites in local authority guardianship. For advice on the legal status of a site please contact the County Sites and Monuments Record in writing. For further information on protected sites please Click Here (For English Heritage) and Click Here (for Defra )
Permission
Always make sure you obtain permission from the landowner before metal detecting on their land. Any finds you discover will legally belong to the landowner so it is wise to make arrangements in writing before you start detecting. You can find a copy of a much used contract by CLICKING HERE
It can sometimes be difficult to obtain permission to search especially for some people, this is why its always a good idea to join your local metal detecting club, your local club will already have permission for a number of farms in your county and beyond.
you can find a list of metal detecting clubs by CLICKING HERE
Insurance
Most clubs and landowners as well will require you to have the relevant insurance to cover you in the event of damage being caused or an accident occurring. You Can get the public liability cover up to about 6 million (UK Sterling) from either the NCMD or FID at a cost of about £8 – £10.
Please CLICK HERE FOR NCMD
Please CLICK HERE FOR FID
Ground Disturbance
Please try not dig too deeply into the soil, and always ensure you fill your holes properly( Videos can be found on you tube) Digging too deeply could disturb archaeologically sensitive sites. Finds beneath the plough-soil and deeper than the first 6-14” may be associated with the remains of a building/grave or other structure which will give vital information about the object and the archaeology of the area. Please contact your Finds Liaison Officer for advice and assistance in any such cases.
You can find a full list of Finds Liaison Officers by CLICKING HERE
Finding Treasure
All finders of gold and silver objects, and groups of coins from the same find spot, which are over 300 years old, have a legal obligation to report such items under the Treasure Act 1996. Now prehistoric base-metal assemblages found after 1st January 2003 also qualify as Treasure. For more information about the treasure act please contact your local FLO who will be able to facilitate the reporting of these items. Further information about the Treasure Act is also available from the Portable Antiquities Website which can be found by CLICKING HERE
Recording your Finds
If you have found an artefact you would like an archaeologist to look at – contact your local FLO who will organise to view the object and possibly record it with the Portable Antiquities Scheme .
For the P.A.S Website advice for finder please CLICK HERE
Cleaning Finds
Advice on conserving your finds can be found by following the link Click Here
Metal detecting is a fascinating hobby and Metal detectors can be A valuable archaeological tool when used responsibly. During many archaeological excavations metal detectors are used to check the spoil for any objects missed. They can also be used to retrieve finds from disturbed plough-soil which might have otherwise simply rusted away. As well as a variety of other locations such as beaches, parks, woodland and even your Garden. There is a “Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-Detecting in England and Wales” which outlines best practice for those using metal detectors and has been fully endorsed by archaeological groups and national metal detecting bodies.
You can find the Code of practice for responsible metal detecting by CLICKING HERE
Sites Protected by Law
Please be aware Certain sites, which are considered to be of not only of local but also of national archaeological importance, are protected by law. It is illegal to use a metal detector on a Scheduled Ancient Monument without prior written permission from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, English Heritage and the landowner. Metal detecting is also an offence on sites in local authority guardianship. For advice on the legal status of a site please contact the County Sites and Monuments Record in writing. For further information on protected sites please Click Here (For English Heritage) and Click Here (for Defra )
Permission
Always make sure you obtain permission from the landowner before metal detecting on their land. Any finds you discover will legally belong to the landowner so it is wise to make arrangements in writing before you start detecting. You can find a copy of a much used contract by CLICKING HERE
It can sometimes be difficult to obtain permission to search especially for some people, this is why its always a good idea to join your local metal detecting club, your local club will already have permission for a number of farms in your county and beyond.
you can find a list of metal detecting clubs by CLICKING HERE
Insurance
Most clubs and landowners as well will require you to have the relevant insurance to cover you in the event of damage being caused or an accident occurring. You Can get the public liability cover up to about 6 million (UK Sterling) from either the NCMD or FID at a cost of about £8 – £10.
Please CLICK HERE FOR NCMD
Please CLICK HERE FOR FID
Ground Disturbance
Please try not dig too deeply into the soil, and always ensure you fill your holes properly( Videos can be found on you tube) Digging too deeply could disturb archaeologically sensitive sites. Finds beneath the plough-soil and deeper than the first 6-14” may be associated with the remains of a building/grave or other structure which will give vital information about the object and the archaeology of the area. Please contact your Finds Liaison Officer for advice and assistance in any such cases.
You can find a full list of Finds Liaison Officers by CLICKING HERE
Finding Treasure
All finders of gold and silver objects, and groups of coins from the same find spot, which are over 300 years old, have a legal obligation to report such items under the Treasure Act 1996. Now prehistoric base-metal assemblages found after 1st January 2003 also qualify as Treasure. For more information about the treasure act please contact your local FLO who will be able to facilitate the reporting of these items. Further information about the Treasure Act is also available from the Portable Antiquities Website which can be found by CLICKING HERE
Recording your Finds
If you have found an artefact you would like an archaeologist to look at – contact your local FLO who will organise to view the object and possibly record it with the Portable Antiquities Scheme .
For the P.A.S Website advice for finder please CLICK HERE
Cleaning Finds
Advice on conserving your finds can be found by following the link Click Here