When On Site
When On Site - Best practices
Metal Detecting Code of Conduct
The Metal Detecting Code of Conduct is a voluntary practice that we should try at all times to follow. This ensures our hobby is a pleasurable experience and we don’t get in to any bother.
NO TRESPASSING:
Remember all land has an owner, and before you set out to metal detect on it you should ensure you have obtained permission from the owner or tenant. To avoid arguments and disputes it is a good practice to have this permission in form of a contract or writing. Along with an agreement of what happens to any subsequent finds you may unearth
PROTECTED SITES: You should always follow the laws that concern any protected sites, these are defined as Scheduled Monuments and Sites of Special Scientific Interest also known as SSSI. You should check with land owners or tenants, Finds Liaison Officer, Historical Environment Records or you can visit www.magic.gov.uk. When Metal detecting around these sites you should ensure you take extra care as it can be confusing as to where boundaries lie on the ground.
HANDLING AND CARE: We strongly recommend that you learn about the handling, care and storage of any historical or archaeological finds while you are out metal detecting. You can learn more at http://finds.org.uk/
GROUND CARE:
It is good practice to wherever possible detect on land that has already been disturbed for example ploughed fields. If you are metal detecting on undisturbed pasture you should ensure that no damage is done to the archaeological value of the land. Ensure all holes are properly filled and use the correct tools. Fill holes as neatly as possible.
MAKE RECORDS:
Making a record of find spots as accurately as possible for the finds you make is good practice, this should be to at least one hundred meters squared, using an ordnance survey map or GPS while in the field. Package your finds individually and record the NGR (Nation Grid Reference). You should not pass on this information to any other parties without being in agreement with the landowner or tenant.
RESPECT THE COUNTRY CODE: Leave gates and property as you find them, do your best to ensure you do not damage crops, scare any animals, disturb any ground nesting birds and always take your litter with you. You could also remove any litter you may come across along the way.
REPORTING FINDS: Report any archaeological or historical finds you have made to the landowner or tenant, and with the agreement of the landowner or tenant report to the Portable Antiquities Scheme so the information can be passed to the Local Historic Environment Record.
TREASURE CODE: You should always abide by the provisions of the treasure act and treasure act code of practice. If you are unsure your local finds liaison officer will be able to assist you.
SEEK EXPERT HELP:
You should always try to seek expert help upon discovering something large beneath the ground, this could be unusual material or a concentration of finds and or wreck remains. Discuss this with the landowner or tenant. Your local finds liaison officer will be able to advise you of the right person to contact. If you report the finds this will not take away your rights of discovery, however it will result in far more archaeological evidence being discovered. If you suspect you have found human remains contact the police immediately. Contact the Police or the HM coastguard if you think you have found an explosive device. If this is the case you must at once leave the area and ensure your electronic equipment is switched off. Do not under any circumstances try to remove the device or tamper with it.
These rules are not so much laws however they are what you should try at all times to follow, they are a guideline.
