Detecting Information
England
The Portable Antiquities
Scheme advice for finders of archaeological objects. Responsible metal-detecting can
help us understand the past. Often metal-detected finds will be the only
evidence for human activity, but once these have been removed from the ground
(unless properly recorded) that evidence is lost. Finders therefore should
follow the Code of Practice for Responsible
Metal Detecting in England and Wales, and record their finds with the Portable
Antiquities Scheme (PAS).
PAS records archaeological finds made by the public to advance knowledge, tell the stories of past communities and further public interest in the past. It is a partnership project, managed by the British Museum (in England) and Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales (in Wales), working with at least 100 partners across both countries.
https://finds.org.uk/documents/file/pa-and-t-leaflet.pdf
Provides information about the PAS and the accompanying law of Treasure which was last updated in 2023 (see page 14 onwards).
Finders in Scotland, Northern Ireland and UK Crown Dependencies should make themselves aware of local laws and any linked guidance available.
Wales
If you detect in the Wales, Finds Liaison Officers contact details can be found here:
https://museum.wales/portable-antiquities-scheme-in-wales/
Scotland
If you detect in Scotland, please familiarise with the laws here:
Northern Ireland
If you detect in Northern Ireland, please familiarise with the laws here:
Isle of Man
If you detect in the Isle of Man, please familiarise with the laws here:
https://legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2017/2017-0002/TreasureAct2017_1.pdf
www.tynwald.org.im/links/tls/GC/2017/2017-GC-0005.pdf
Please take your finds to:
Manx National Heritage, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3LY
T: 01624 648000.
E: enquiries@mnh.im
Jersey
For more information about Jersey Heritage and finds recording please see:
https://www.jerseyheritage.org/research-and-collections/historic-environment/
Mudlarking
Ifyou are interested in mudlarking on the Thames foreshore you have to have a
permit. For more information
email: foreshore.permits@pla.co.uk.
https://pla.co.uk/Environment/Thames-foreshore-permits
All finds have to be recorded at the Museum of London: swyatt@museumoflondon.org.uk
Reducing Heritage Crime
The Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage (ARCH) is a new voluntary national network which will take forward initiatives to tackle heritage crime and galvanise local action as part of the Heritage
Crime Initiative
https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/caring-for-heritage/heritage-crime/prevent/get-involved/
Crown Estate
Please note, the Crown Estate no longer provides online permits to anyone wishing to go metal detecting on Crown Estate foreshore. However, their website is still a valuable source of information.
www.thecrownestate.co.uk/our-business/marine/metal-detecting-and-drone-flying