Have you been thinking about going metal detecting and you live in the UK? Whether you’re just getting started with metal detecting or an old hand but need some new ideas for where to go, there are countless different opportunities that could be available to you. However, while it would make life a lot easier, you can’t simply go metal detecting on any plot of land – not only is this less likely to turn up a great find, but it’s also potentially trespass, in many cases.
With this in mind, today, we’ve summarised some of the key things you should know about finding great land for metal detecting and come up with some top suggestions if you’re still feeling a little unsure about where to start your search!
A Brief Summary of the Legalities of Metal Detecting
Before we go any further, we should first consider some of the overarching legalities surrounding metal detecting. Indeed, metal detecting can be an exciting and highly rewarding activity in many cases. However, to keep it fun, it’s integral that you can follow the rules closely and not end up getting yourself into trouble by accident. You might be surprised by how many people accidentally end up breaking the law while going about their business.
Avoiding Trespass While Metal Detecting
Perhaps the most obvious first risk is the potential for trespass. Indeed, trespassing is very easy to do, and many people find themselves unwittingly trespassing on another person’s property.
What does this mean for your metal detecting efforts? Well, in order to avoid trespassing on someone’s property, you’ll need to fall into one of the following categories:
- You own the land personally or with others and so, by default, have the right to use the land.
- You have written permission to use the land by the landowner (verbal permission may not stand up to a court case, just in case it should come to this).
- Be able to access the land thanks to a public right of way (such as a footpath or bridlepath).
However, just because you are able to access the land legally without trespassing doesn’t mean that you are legally able to metal detect on the land. With this in mind, it’s critical to consider what this might mean for your metal detecting activities – and ensure you have appropriate permissions to metal detect on the land. Indeed, just because you aren’t trespassing on the land doesn’t mean you’re allowed to metal detect there!
We should also point out here that any permission provided to use the land only stands for as long as the permission is granted. As such, if the permission has a set duration or is withdrawn, and you continue to use the land for metal detecting outside of these times, you may be trespassing.
Always Check Current Regulations for Keeping Treasure
Another important factor that you should consider regarding your metal detecting activities is whether you are able to keep any “treasures” you might find. Indeed, the Treasure Act of 1996 requires individuals to report certain finds of silver, gold, and coins aged over three hundred years. Some prehistoric base metal tools and items may also need to be reported. So, if you should ever come across a genuine jackpot, make sure you’ve checked whether or not you’re legally allowed to keep this or if you need to report it to the authorities.
Be Courteous with Landowners When Metal Detecting
If you obtain permission to metal detect on land other than your own, you must always be courteous to the landowner to ensure that you don’t cause any damage to their land. If metal detecting on a farmer’s fields, for example, never traipse over crops (which could cause damage to their yields); always metal detect around the outskirts of the fields instead. Instead, you should ideally ask the landowner or farmer if you can come back to detect in the middle of the field just after harvest. In addition, if metal detecting on land that’s used for animals, always be cautious and careful so as not to spook the animals, which could cause them injuries.
These simple steps are a great way to develop a longer-term relationship with the landowner, who may be able to recommend other places to detect or welcome you back year on year. However, if you cause damage to the land, you may find your permission to use the land is revoked, leaving you with fewer opportunities of places to metal detect overall.
7 Top Suggestions for Where to go Metal Detecting in the UK
So, you’ve been thinking about going metal detecting in the UK, but you need some ideas for where to go. If this is a situation you find yourself in, then the following seven options might be a good solution to consider overall. After all, there are countless excellent destinations you could consider that could provide a veritable “treasure trove” for your metal detecting goals. However, to make the most of the opportunities, it’s vital to consider carefully each of these different options to help make your decision that little bit easier.
#1 Local Parks and Recreation Grounds
One of the first places you may want to consider for your metal detecting goals could be local parks and recreation grounds. Indeed, these are excellent destinations for metal detecting, in many cases, since they often have a long history of use – offering new opportunities for finding something under the soil! However, there is naturally the drawback that many other people may have had the same idea, so any easy-to-find treasures could have already been picked up. So, make sure you’re extra careful with your treasure hunt, for the best results.
Always ensure you’ve obtained permission from your local council to go metal detecting over local parkland and the like, though, as not every council allows this.
#2 Public Woodland Areas
Another great option you could consider for metal detecting is in the midst of local woodlands, which can be an excellent place to uncover all sorts of hidden gems. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for other walkers to drop old belongings in the woods, which can get covered by leaves and mulch over the years. Plus, many woodlands are often ancient, representing a clear connection to the past if you’ve always dreamed of uncovering old coins and the like.
#3 Areas with History
If there’s a local area with history near you, such as by an old Roman road, a settlement, or an ancient battleground, these could offer excellent treasure hunting opportunities. Of course, as with anything, you’ll need to check that you’re allowed to treasure hunt in these areas first; what’s more, since there’s a higher chance of finds having historical significance, you should expect to declare anything you uncover. Nevertheless, these areas with historical connections can still offer good opportunities, if you’re willing to give up the spoils.
#4 With Metal Detecting Clubs
If you’re feeling a little unsure of where to begin your search, partnering with a metal detecting club could be ideal. Metal detecting clubs are an excellent way to make the most of every opportunity available; sometimes, they own their own land, and at other times they’re able to arrange field trips (in the literal sense of the word) for their members.
As such, if you’ve been looking to make the process of finding somewhere new to get started with metal detecting a little easier, joining a metal detecting club could be an ideal way to get started. Plus, you’ll also enjoy the chance to meet other passionate metal detectors and find out more about the best metal detecting strategies, which could offer a valuable opportunity to expand your network and find out more about making the most of metal detecting.
#5 Beaches
There’s a lot of potential when it comes to metal detecting on the beach for a few key reasons. Of course, the sea waves wash up hugely interesting artifacts and objects, giving you the chance to find something new every time you go. What’s more, when it comes to metal detecting on the beach, the sand can easily move and erode away between visits, offering further potential to find a long-buried treasure.
And, with ancient history and treasures aside, it’s not uncommon for visitors to the beach to lose coins and the like in the fine sand. You could even find someone’s lost phone (although you should naturally always attempt to return this to them, if possible). As such, a visit to the beach can absolutely be an excellent place to consider metal detecting – you never know what you’ll find under the sand!
#6 Local Farmers’ Fields
If you have fields locally to you, it may be worth asking the landowner or farmer if they would mind you metal detecting across the land. This naturally comes down to the individual farmer, and be prepared not to receive responses; indeed, farmers often receive numerous requests of the same ilk per month or per year, which may leave them less willing to co-operate. However, some farmers are more than happy to allow metal detectors onto their land so long as you are courteous; if going down this route, though, always ensure you’ve obtained written permission first.
#7 Your Own Garden!
As a final option, you absolutely shouldn’t discount your garden when it comes to metal detecting. Indeed, many people assume that their gardens won’t ever be “interesting enough” to yield any great finds, but the reality is often actually the opposite!
Now, you may not find some ancient relic, but metal detecting in your own garden is a great place to start. Whether it’s money you never knew you’d lost from your pocket or an old metal belonging from the people who owned the house before you, there are a lot of opportunities when it comes to metal detecting in your garden. These can actually be the most common places to find your first treasures, and they’re the safest way to get a feel for your new metal detector as well. Plus, you never know when a bird might have dropped something exciting in your yard – so it’s well worth a try.
Of course, you could also ask your neighbours or family members whether or not they would mind you metal detecting in their gardens, too. Of course, you’ll likely need quite a good relationship to make this work; however, if your neighbour or family member agrees, this could definitely increase your chances of finding something interesting. If they agree, you could also consider showing them the ropes of how metal detecting works – and who knows? You might just end up with someone else to share your passion with going forwards.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly incredible about discovering a genuine piece of history with metal detecting – but it’s always crucial to stay on the right side of the law for your metal detecting efforts overall. With this in mind, we have outlined some of the key things you should know when it comes to metal detecting in the UK today to hopefully give you some new ideas about where you can and can’t go metal detecting.
But remember: always be careful to ensure you’re staying on the right side of the law when it comes to metal detecting in the UK, and finally, have fun – after all, there’s so much potential out there!
