Never detect on private land without the landowner's permission. Written permission is recommended wherever possible.
Agree how finds will be handled before detecting begins.
Good practice
Responsible Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is about discovering history while helping to preserve it. Following good practice protects our heritage, strengthens relationships with landowners and helps ensure the hobby can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check the requirements that apply where you plan to detect.
Do not assume that access to land automatically includes permission to metal detect.
Never detect on Scheduled Monuments or other legally protected archaeological sites without the correct consent.
Check the location before travelling, not once you arrive.
Tell someone where you are going, carry a charged phone and dress appropriately for the land and weather conditions.
Be especially careful around machinery, livestock, steep ground and waterways.
Cut neat plugs where suitable, replace them carefully and leave the surface as close as possible to how you found it.
Take extra care during dry weather when grass and soil may not recover quickly.
Take away foil, cans, wire and other waste uncovered while detecting. Do not leave unwanted targets beside the hole.
Carry a separate pouch for sharp or dirty waste.
Follow the landowner's instructions, avoid damaging crops, keep clear of livestock and leave gates exactly as you found them.
Stop detecting if your presence is causing animals distress.
Keep to agreed areas, access routes and times. Never invite others onto the land unless the landowner has approved it.
A good permission is built on trust.
Archaeologically important objects can add to our understanding of the past, even when they have little financial value.
Record an accurate findspot privately before leaving the field.
If a find may qualify as Treasure, protect the location, avoid unnecessary disturbance and follow the correct reporting process.
Do not separate associated objects or continue digging aggressively around them.
Heavy cleaning can remove surfaces, markings and evidence that may be important for identification.
Photograph the find first and seek advice before using chemicals or abrasive tools.
Store the find with its date, broad location, depth and any surrounding context so those details are not lost.
Use separate labelled finds bags rather than combining everything from a trip.
Be polite to landowners, other detectorists and members of the public. Your actions influence how the wider hobby is viewed.
Avoid sharing private permissions or exact findspots publicly.
Use digging tools appropriate for the ground and avoid equipment that could cause unnecessary damage.
Carry gloves and safely contain sharp metal waste.
Understanding local history, object types and recording practices helps you make better decisions in the field.
Take clear photographs of both sides of unfamiliar finds.
Responsible behaviour helps maintain access to land and demonstrates the positive contribution detectorists can make.
Leave every permission in a condition that makes the landowner happy to welcome you back.
Portable Antiquities Scheme contacts
Find Your Local Finds Liaison Officer
Quickly find the Finds Liaison Officer for the area where your find was discovered. Search by county, region, museum or officer name using the directory below.
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