SOUTH EAST LONDON METAL DETECTING CLUB EST:1978 Member of National Council for Metal Detecting – Southern Region

 

DETECTING LAWS & SUGESTIONS

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR RESPONSIBLE METAL-DETECTING IN ENGLAND & WALES
Being responsible means:
Before you go metal-detecting:
1. Not trespassing; before you start detecting obtain permission to search from the landowner/occupier,
regardless of the status, or perceived status, of the land. Remember that all land has an owner. To avoid
subsequent disputes it is always advisable to get permission and agreement in writing first regarding the
ownership of any finds subsequently discovered (see www.cla.org.uk / www.nfuonline.com).
2. Adhering to the laws concerning protected sites (e.g., those defined as Scheduled Monuments or Sites
of Special Scientific Interest: you can obtain details of these from the landowner/occupier, Finds Liaison
Officer, Historic Environment Record or at www.magic.gov.uk). Take extra care when detecting near
protected sites: for example, it is not always clear where the boundaries lie on the ground.
3. You are strongly recommended to join a metal detecting club or association that encourages cooperation
and responsive exchanges with other responsible heritage groups. Details of metal detecting
organisations can be found at www.ncmd.co.uk / www.fid.newbury.net.
4. Familiarising yourself with and following current conservation advice on the handling, care and
storage of archaeological objects (see www.finds.org.uk).
While you are metal-detecting:
5. Wherever possible working on ground that has already been disturbed (such as ploughed land or that
which has formerly been ploughed), and only within the depth of ploughing. If detecting takes place on
undisturbed pasture, be careful to ensure that no damage is done to the archaeological value of the land,
including earthworks.
6. Minimising any ground disturbance through the use of suitable tools and by reinstating any
excavated material as neatly as possible. Endeavour not to damage stratified archaeological deposits.
7. Recording findspots as accurately as possible for all finds (i.e. to at least a one hundred square metre,
using an Ordnance Survey map or hand-held Global Positioning Systems (GPS) device) whilst in the field.
Bag finds individually and record the National Grid Reference (NGR) on the bag. Findspot information
should not be passed on to other parties without the agreement of the landowner/occupier (see also clause
9).
8. Respecting the Country Code (leave gates and property as you find them and do not damage crops,
frighten animals, or disturb ground nesting birds, and dispose properly of litter: see
www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk).
After you have been metal-detecting:
9. Reporting any finds to the relevant landowner/occupier; and (with the agreement of the
landowner/occupier) to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, so the information can pass into the local
Historic Environment Record. Both the Country Land and Business Association (www.cla.org.uk) and the
National Farmers Union (www.nfuonline.com) support the reporting of finds. Details of your local Finds
Liaison Officer can be found at www.finds.org.uk, e-mail info@finds.org.uk or phone 020 7323 8611.
10. Abiding by the provisions of the Treasure Act and Treasure Act Code of Practice (www.finds.org.uk),
wreck law (www.mcga.gov.uk) and export licensing (www.mla.gov.uk). If you need advice your local
Finds Liaison Officer will be able to help you.
11. Seeking expert help if you discover something large below the ploughsoil, or a concentration of finds
or unusual material, or wreck remains, and ensuring that the landowner/occupier’s permission is
obtained to do so. Your local Finds Liaison Officer may be able to help or will be able to advise of an
appropriate person. Reporting the find does not change your rights of discovery, but will result in far
more archaeological evidence being discovered.
12. Calling the police, and notifying the landowner/occupier, if you find any traces of human remains.
13. Calling the police or HM Coastguard, and notifying the landowner/occupier, if you find anything that
may be a live explosive: do not use a metal-detector or mobile phone nearby as this might trigger an
explosion. Do not attempt to move or interfere with any such explosives.
28th February 2006

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR METAL DETECTING

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Do not trespass. Obtain permission before venturing on to any land.

2. Respect the Country Code, leave gates and property as you find them and do not damage crops, frighten animals or disturb nesting birds.

3. Wherever the site, do not leave a mess or an unsafe surface for those who may follow.
It is perfectly simple to extract a coin or other small object buried a few inches below the ground without digging a great hole. Use a suitable digging implement to cut a neat flap
(do not remove the plug of earth entirely from the ground), extract the object, reinstate the grass, sand or soil carefully, and even you will have difficulty in locating the find spot again.

4. If you discover any live ammunition or any lethal object such as an unexploded bomb or
mine, do not disturb it. Mark the site carefully and report the find to the local police and
landowner.

5. Help keep Britain tidy. Safely dispose of refuse you come across.

6. Report all unusual historical finds to the landowner, and acquaint yourself with current NCMD policy relating to the Voluntary Reporting of Portable Antiquities.

7. Remember it is illegal for anyone to use a metal detector on a designated area
(e.g. scheduled archaeological site, SSSI, or Ministry of Defence property) without
permission from the appropriate authority.

8. Acquaint yourself with the definitions of the following documents: -
· Treasure contained in the Treasure Act 1996 and
its associated Code of Practice, making sure you understand your responsibilities.
· Advice for Finders of Archaeological Objects including Treasure 2006.

9. Remember that when you are out with your metal detector you are an ambassador for our
hobby. Do nothing that might give it a bad name.

10. Never miss an opportunity to explain your hobby to anyone who asks about it.

Revised June 2007

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