| My signal has disappeared when I dig! |
Check the following:
- Make sure that you havent excavated the find and placed it over a large piece of buried iron which is cancelling out the signal
- Check it hasnt fallen back into the hole you have excavated
- Check its not stuck to your shovel
| What should I do if the landowner insists that finds should not be reported? |
You have a difficulty. The landowner is within his rights – unless the finds are treasure, in which case you have no choice. However, our advice would be not to detect at all on land belonging to someone who wishes to withhold information about finds. If you are not in a position to report finds it is best not to seek them.
| Why are recording and reporting important? |
Even objects apparently loose in ploughsoil have an historic setting. Some items will be genuine losses and could appear anywhere, but many will come from archaeological sites (e.g. settlements, cemeteries, buildings) where the remains may survive under the ploughsoil or nearby. The plotting of finds can produce patterns which are of historical significance including pottery scatters etc.. The reporting of even a single find can add to existing knowledge. If you suspect that an object is undisturbed in its original context (for example. in a container, or below the ploughsoil) leave it where it is and call for help from your local archaeology unit.
A broken piece of plain pottery can be just as interesting and important as a brooch in excellent condition. If you are out detecting, surface scatters of non-metallic materials such as pottery, flints and bulding materials should be reported, even when detector results are negative.
| Can Archaeologists seize finds ? |
No! Museums and archaeological bodies do not have the power to confiscate finds.
Human remains and disused burial grounds are also protected by law. A licence from the Home Office is required before disturbing any human remains where their presence is known or suspected. If you disturb or discover human remains accidentally then you must inform the Coroner as well as the County Archaeological Service.
A lot of detectorists are going to come across cemeteries in the course of their activities – you must bear in mind that it is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions – see the following:
http://www.lincsheritage.org/lincs/radio/remains.html http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/section.asp?pageType=1&docId=28081 (scroll down).
If you dig up a firearm you must immediately hand it in to the police