Is metal detecting legal?
Metal detectorists have found some of the most impressive archaeological finds of the last few decades. From Prehistoric and Roman gold and bronze hoards to weapons and Medieval gold jewels, regular reports of discoveries appear in the media. If the discovery comes within the terms of the 1996 Treasure Act, the finder and the owner of the land may receive a proportion of its worth from the appropriate museum. Metal detecting is legal if it is done with the permission of the landowner (who is the legal owner of any finds), and is not done on a scheduled (protected) ancient monument [these are very often not marked as such – so it is up to the individual to make sure a site is not scheduled before they consider detecting on it]. Most metal detectorists are responsible people with a deep interest in the past, many of whom belong to clubs. Archaeologists have built up a good working relationship with clubs, particularly the finds liaison officers in the national Portable Antiquities Scheme
