Avoiding protected sites, or land in their near vicinity (because areas of archaeological sensitivity and scheduling boundaries may not always correspond).
Not trespassing; before you start detecting obtain permission to search from the landowner, regardless of the status, or perceived status, of the land; bear in mind that all land (including beaches, parks, commons and seabed) 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.
Joining a recognised metal-detecting club or national detecting organisation.
Recording your finds with the Portable Antiquities Scheme so the information they provide can pass into the historical record. Details of your local Finds Liaison Officer can be found at www.finds.org.uk, email [email protected] or phone 020 7323 8611.
Familiarising yourself with and abiding by the provisions of the :
If you need advice your local Finds Liaison Officer will be able to help you.
Working on ground that has already been disturbed (such as ploughed land or beaches), and only within the depth of ploughing or active beach deposits. Avoid undisturbed pasture or other grassland where there are likely to be significant archaeological deposits.
Seeking expert help if you discover something large, or objects below the ploughsoil, or a concentration of finds material, or otherwise large or unusual material, or wreck remains. 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 in the discovery, but will result in far more archaeological evidence being discovered.
Recording findspots accurately (using a Ordnance Survey map or hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) device) whilst in the field. Bag finds individually and record the National Grid Reference (NGR) on the bag.
Respecting the Country Code (do not leave gates open, or damage crops, or frighten animals, and dispose properly of litter).
Calling the police, and notifying the local coroner, if you find any traces of human remains.
Calling the police or HM Coastguard, and notifying the landowner, if you find anything item that may be an live explosives: 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.
Familiarising yourself with and following current conservation advice on the handling, care and storage of archaeological objects.
