Metal detecting is one of the most exciting hobbies in the UK. With thousands of years of history beneath our feet, every signal could reveal a lost story, a forgotten artefact, or even a treasure-worthy discovery. But with that opportunity comes responsibility.
Whether you’re a new detectorist or an experienced digger, understanding UK detecting laws is critical. This guide explains the legal requirements, permissions, Treasure rules, and the detectorist code of conduct every responsible hobbyist must follow.
Perfect for beginners – essential for everyone.
Why UK Metal Detecting Law Matters
The UK has some of the most detectorist-friendly rules in the world. But break them – even unintentionally – and you could face:
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Confiscation of finds
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Loss of permissions
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Prosecution (in serious cases)
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Damage to the detecting community’s reputation
Good detectorists don’t just follow the law – they follow best practice.
Let’s break everything down clearly. You will thank me for it later guys seriously.
1. Permission: The Most Important Rule in UK Metal Detecting
Before you switch on your machine, you need permission from the landowner. No exceptions.
✔ You MUST get permission for:
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Farmland and fields
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Woodland and private estates
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Church land
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Industrial land or brownfield sites
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Private gardens
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Council-owned spaces (varies by area)
✘ You CANNOT detect by:
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Assuming unused land is free
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Using footpaths to access fields
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Detecting on “common land” without checking ownership
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Detecting after simply “asking the farm worker”
Permission should ideally be written or text-based. It protects both you and the landowner, and it looks professional.
2. Places Where Detecting Is Illegal (or Highly Restricted)
Some areas in the UK are protected by law. Detecting there without consent can land you in serious trouble.
a) Scheduled Monuments (Illegal Without Consent)
These are nationally important archaeological sites.
Detecting here without Scheduled Monument Consent is a criminal offence.
Examples:
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Castles
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Roman forts
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Ancient settlement sites
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Iron Age hillforts
Always check land status before you dig.
b) Archaeological Sites & Excavations
If professionals are excavating, or if it’s a known archaeological site, detecting is not allowed. Even nearby can be restricted
c) SSSIs & Protected Environments
Sites of Special Scientific Interest often prohibit metal detecting due to wildlife or geological protections.
Check with:
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Natural England
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NatureScot
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NRW
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NIEA
Permission varies, but never assume.
3. Beach Detecting: Not Always "Free for All"
Beaches are popular, but rules differ from place to place.
Who owns the beach?
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Much of the foreshore (area between high and low tide) is owned by the Crown Estate.
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Many dry-sand beaches are controlled by councils or private owners.
General rules:
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Crown Estate permits hobby detecting on most foreshore areas.
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Councils may allow, ban, or require permission on beaches they manage.
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Military and protected beaches may be restricted.
Always check council metal detecting byelaws before going.
4. The Treasure Act: Your Legal Responsibilities
The Treasure Act 1996 (for England, Wales, NI) sets out what counts as Treasure and what you must legally report.
What is Treasure? (simplified)
A find may be Treasure if it is:
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300+ years old and ≥10% gold/silver, or
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Two or more coins from the same find (age rules apply), or
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Two or more prehistoric base-metal items, or
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Any object deemed of significant archaeological importance under updated rules.
If in doubt — treat it as Treasure.
Your legal duty:
You must report Treasure within 14 days to either:
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Your local Finds Liaison Officer (PAS), or
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The Coroner for Treasure
If a museum wants the item, you and the landowner may receive a reward.
Scotland: Different Rules (Treasure Trove)
In Scotland, all archaeological finds can be claimed by the Crown under the Treasure Trove system.
You must report all significant finds to the Treasure Trove Unit.
5. The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS): Record Your Finds
PAS is voluntary (except Treasure), but hugely important.
Why you should record finds:
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Helps archaeologists map the past
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Adds legitimacy and provenance
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Protects the hobby
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Helps future historical research
Your FLO will record details, photograph your find, and log it publicly.
Even small finds can be historically valuable.
6. The Detectorist’s Code of Conduct (Essential Rules)
A great detectorist isn’t defined by what they find — but by how they treat the land.
Here’s the code every detectorist should follow:
✔ 1. Always obtain permission
Never detect without consent. Respect land boundaries and agreements.
✔ 2. Fill in all holes neatly
Leave the ground exactly how you found it — or better.
✔ 3. Take ALL rubbish away
This improves land quality and keeps farmers happy.
✔ 4. Respect crops, livestock, and countryside rules
Don’t harm fields or farming operations. Close gates. Avoid livestock.
✔ 5. Report Treasure promptly
Follow the law to the letter.
✔ 6. Report archaeological finds to PAS
Help protect and understand history.
✔ 7. Be discreet & respectful
Don’t share findspot locations publicly. It encourages nighthawking.
✔ 8. Join a metal detecting club
Great for permissions, advice, and support.
7. Tips for Staying Legal & Professional
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Carry a permission letter or screenshot.
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Always bring rubbish bags.
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Keep GPS or grid references of findspots.
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Check maps for scheduled areas before hunting.
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Learn soil-friendly digging techniques.
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Keep livestock gates exactly as found.
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Don’t enter the land during crop growth unless allowed.
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Avoid waterlogged ground that plugs could damage.
Professional behaviour is the key to keeping the hobby strong.
Final Thoughts
The UK is one of the richest metal detecting landscapes on earth — but it depends entirely on the reputation and responsibility of detectorists.
By following:
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The law,
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The Treasure Act,
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PAS guidelines, and
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The Code of Conduct,
…you’re doing your part to protect history, respect landowners, and keep this hobby thriving for future generations.
Happy hunting – and may your next signal be a brilliant one.