Laws and Permissions for Metal Detecting in the UK: The Complete Guide

Why Laws and Permissions Matter
Metal detecting is a perfectly legal hobby when practised responsibly, but it’s also one that sits at the boundary between recreation and archaeology. The UK’s heritage is rich and fragile — without rules, many objects of historic importance would be lost or sold without record.

• Laws ensure finds are reported, recorded, and preserved.

• Permissions protect the rights of landowners and farmers.

• Codes of conduct help detectorists build a positive reputation.

Failing to follow the law can result in prosecution, confiscation of finds, and permanent damage to the reputation of the hobby.
Permission to Detect: The Golden Rule
Land ownership
Every piece of land in the UK is owned — from fields and woods to village greens and beaches. Detecting without permission is trespass and potentially theft under the Theft Act 1968.
Private farmland
Most detectorists search farmland. You must:

1. Ask the landowner directly.

2. Obtain written permission, ideally using a standard agreement (the NCMD provides templates).

3. Agree on finds sharing — many use a 50/50 split for valuable items or Treasure rewards.

Public parks and common land
Some councils ban detecting in public parks, while others issue permits. Always check with the local authority before detecting.
Written agreements
Written permission protects both sides. A good agreement will:

• Identify the land and boundaries.

• Confirm that the landowner grants detecting rights.

• Outline the division of finds.

• Require responsible practice (filling holes, avoiding crops).

The Treasure Act 1996 and Code of Practice
What counts as Treasure?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you must report Treasure within 14 days. Treasure includes:

• All coins at least 300 years old, if 10% precious metal or part of a group of two or more.

• All other artefacts at least 300 years old with 10% gold or silver.

• Prehistoric base-metal hoards (e.g., Bronze Age tools).

• Items of significance over 200 years old under the revised 2023 Code of Practice.

The Treasure reporting process

1. Report to your local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO).

2. FLO submits a report to the coroner.

3. The coroner decides if it qualifies as Treasure.

4. Museums may acquire the find; the finder and landowner are rewarded equally.

Failure to report Treasure
Not reporting Treasure is a criminal offence and can result in fines, imprisonment, and loss of finds.
Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and FLOs
Even non-Treasure finds should be reported to the PAS via your FLO. Recording ordinary artefacts builds a national picture of settlement and activity across time.

• PAS is run by the British Museum in England and by national partners in Wales.

• FLOs identify, photograph, and record artefacts in the online PAS database.

• This ensures finds contribute to research and heritage management.

Scheduled Monuments and Protected Sites
It is illegal to detect on:

• Scheduled Monuments (ancient sites legally protected).

• Battlefields recorded in national registers.

• Protected wreck sites around the UK coastline.

• SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) without consent.

• National Trust land (detectorists are not allowed unless as part of approved archaeology).

Breaking these rules risks prosecution and can permanently damage archaeology.
Detecting on Beaches and Foreshore
England, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Crown Estate foreshore: detecting is allowed between high and low tide marks, except in certain areas with restrictions (military sites, nature reserves).

• Other foreshore: some stretches are privately owned; you must ask the owner.

River Thames
Detecting the Thames foreshore (Teddington Lock to Thames Barrier) requires a Port of London Authority permit. This regulates digging and ensures finds are recorded.
Scotland
The Crown Estate Scotland does not require a permit for foreshore detecting, but all finds must be reported under Treasure Trove law.
Scotland: Treasure Trove System
Scotland does not use the Treasure Act. Instead:

• All finds of archaeological or historical significance belong to the Crown.

• You must report all finds to the Treasure Trove Unit.

• Rewards may be paid to the finder, but ownership stays with the Crown.

Failing to report is a breach of Scots law and damages the reputation of the detecting community.
Northern Ireland: Detecting Licences
In Northern Ireland, metal detecting is tightly controlled:

• You need a licence from the Department for Communities: Historic Environment Division (HED) to detect anywhere.

• Detecting without a licence is illegal, even with landowner permission.

• All finds must be reported to the authorities.

This makes Northern Ireland stricter than the rest of the UK.
Clubs, Rallies, and Group Digs
Local clubs
Joining a club offers benefits:

• Shared permissions with farmers.

• Organised digs.

• Mentorship and training.

• Simplified Treasure and PAS reporting.

Rallies
Large events held on permissioned farmland. Rallies often have rules such as:

• NCMD membership required (for insurance).

• Finds must be recorded.

• Site rules enforced by organisers.

Always read rally rules carefully and follow FLO advice on recording.
Insurance and Liability
Most landowners will not grant permission without proof of insurance.

• The NCMD (National Council for Metal Detecting) provides £10 million public liability insurance as part of its membership.

• Insurance covers accidents or damage caused while detecting.

• It does not cover the detector or personal injury.

Ethical Detecting: Beyond the Law
Codes of conduct
The NCMD and PAS jointly endorse the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting (2017). Key points:

• Always get permission.

• Leave gates and fences as you found them.

• Fill holes neatly.

• Report all significant finds.

• Avoid disturbing sensitive archaeology.

Public perception
Detectorists who follow best practice maintain a positive image for the hobby, ensuring future generations can continue detecting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Permissions

1. Research land ownership — check the Land Registry, parish council, or ask locals.

2. Approach the landowner politely — explain the hobby, insurance, and benefits.

3. Offer a finds-sharing agreement — often 50/50 for Treasure rewards.

4. Provide written proof of NCMD insurance.

5. Use a written permission form signed by both parties.

6. Respect the landowner’s conditions (no night detecting, avoid crops).

Common Questions About Laws and Permissions
Do I need permission to detect in my own garden?
No — you already own the land, but Treasure law still applies.
Can I detect on footpaths?
No. Rights of way grant walking access, not detecting rights.
What if I find human remains?
Stop immediately, protect the site, and call the police.
What happens if a museum wants my find?
If declared Treasure, the museum may acquire it; you and the landowner receive a financial reward. Non-Treasure finds may still be loaned or donated.
Can I keep modern coins?
Yes — modern coinage is not Treasure, though returning lost property (rings, phones) is good practice.
Case Studies: Laws in Action
The Staffordshire Hoard (2009)
Found by a detectorist in Staffordshire, correctly reported under the Treasure Act. Valued at £3.3 million, split between finder and landowner, and acquired by Birmingham Museum and the Potteries Museum.
The Crosby Garrett Roman Helmet (2010)
Reported, but sold at auction because it was not Treasure under the law at the time (made of bronze). Sparked debate and contributed to revisions in the Treasure Act Code.
Thames permit enforcement
Detectorists caught detecting on the Thames without a PLA permit have faced fines and confiscation of equipment — proof that even permissive areas have rules.
Conclusion: Detecting Legally and Responsibly
Metal detecting is one of the UK’s most rewarding hobbies, but it comes with responsibility. By understanding and following the law, you not only protect yourself but also ensure history is preserved for the nation.

• Always obtain written permission.

• Respect the Treasure Act or Treasure Trove.

• Report finds through the PAS or Treasure Trove Unit.

• Avoid protected sites.

• Carry insurance and follow the Code of Conduct.

If you combine passion with responsibility, you’ll not only find coins and artefacts but also become a trusted steward of Britain’s shared history.