The Metal Searchers Code of Ethics: Responsible Detecting Principles

Metal detecting gives us the opportunity to discover objects that have been hidden beneath the ground for decades, centuries and sometimes thousands of years.

With that opportunity comes responsibility.

At Metal Searchers, we have enjoyed metal detecting for more than 30 years, and we believe the future of the hobby depends on detectorists behaving responsibly towards landowners, archaeology, wildlife, the countryside and other members of the public.

Our Code of Ethics sets out the principles we believe every responsible detectorist should follow.

It is not intended to replace legislation or the official codes published by organisations such as the National Council for Metal Detecting.

Official NCMD Code of Conduct

Instead, it explains how we believe metal detecting should be practised

1. We Always Obtain Permission

We do not metal detect on private land without appropriate permission.

This includes:

• Farmland
• Pasture
• Woodland
• Private estates
• Gardens
• Privately controlled beaches
• Other privately owned land

Public access does not automatically mean metal detecting is permitted.

Where appropriate, we believe permission should be recorded in writing so that both landowner and detectorist clearly understand what has been agreed.

2. We Respect the Landowner

A detecting permission is a privilege, not an entitlement.

When somebody allows us onto their land, we are a guest.

We therefore respect:

• Agreed boundaries
• Access routes
• Parking arrangements
• Crops
• Livestock
• Working hours
• Farm machinery
• Gates and fences
• Any areas the landowner wishes us to avoid

The landowner's work and property always take priority over our hobby.

3. We Leave Gates As We Find Them

If a gate is closed, we close it behind us.

If it is open, we leave it open unless the landowner tells us otherwise.

This simple principle can prevent livestock escaping and avoids interfering with normal farm management.

4. We Never Damage Crops

Metal detecting should never cause damage to someone's livelihood.

We do not enter cropped fields unless the landowner has specifically agreed that we may do so.

Where necessary, we wait until:

• After harvest
• The field is in stubble
• The field has been ploughed
• The farmer confirms that detecting is appropriate

Patience is part of responsible detecting.

5. We Respect Livestock

We follow the landowner's instructions regarding fields containing animals.

We take particular care around:

• Cattle
• Horses
• Sheep
• Lambing areas
• Young livestock

We do not disturb animals unnecessarily or assume that access is safe simply because a field appears accessible.

6. We Dig Carefully

Every target should be recovered with as little disturbance as reasonably possible.

On suitable grass we aim to:

1. Pinpoint accurately.
2. Cut the smallest practical flap or plug.
3. Recover the object.
4. Replace all removed soil.
5. Reinstate the turf securely.

A properly recovered target should leave very little visible evidence that digging has taken place.

The NCMD Code of Conduct similarly stresses careful digging and proper reinstatement of the surface.

7. We Fill Every Hole

We never knowingly leave an open detecting hole.

This applies on:

• Farmland
• Pasture
• Beaches
• Woodland
• Other detecting locations

Open holes can cause injuries to:

• People
• Livestock
• Dogs
• Wildlife

They also damage the reputation of the detecting community.

8. We Remove the Rubbish We Find

Not every signal produces something worth keeping.

A detecting session may uncover:

• Nails
• Wire
• Aluminium
• Foil
• Bottle caps
• Ring pulls
• Cartridge components
• Farm machinery fragments

We take this material away and dispose of it responsibly.

We do not throw unwanted metal into hedges or return it to the hole.

Removing potentially dangerous metallic rubbish is one small way detectorists can leave a site better than they found it.

9. We Respect Archaeology

Metal detecting is not simply about finding objects.

Where an object was found can be just as important as the object itself.

We therefore believe detectorists should record significant findspots accurately and avoid unnecessary disturbance of archaeological deposits.

If we encounter:

• A hoard
• A burial
• Structural remains
• Concentrated archaeological material
• Other potentially significant features

we believe the correct action is to stop and seek appropriate expert advice.

10. We Do Not Detect on Protected Sites Without Proper Authority

Some archaeological locations are legally protected.

Landowner permission alone does not override those protections.

We check the status of land before detecting and do not knowingly detect unlawfully on:

• Scheduled Monuments
• Protected archaeological sites
• Other restricted locations

The NCMD likewise states that detectorists should not use detectors on designated protected areas without the appropriate authority.

11. We Report Potential Treasure

Where a find may qualify as Treasure, we believe detectorists should follow the current legal reporting process promptly.

We do not believe important discoveries should be concealed simply because reporting them may be inconvenient.

The archaeological and historical importance of the find comes first.

For detailed information, see our separate UK Metal Detecting Laws guide.

12. We Support Recording Archaeological Finds

Many historically significant objects do not meet the legal definition of Treasure.

In England and Wales, the Portable Antiquities Scheme provides a mechanism for recording archaeological objects discovered by members of the public.

We support the responsible recording of significant archaeological finds.

The information recorded can help researchers understand:

• Settlement patterns
• Trade
• Movement of people
• Historic land use
• Regional artefact distribution

Once a find is removed from the ground, its location cannot be recreated.

Recording preserves part of that information.

The NCMD currently encourages detectorists to report historical finds to landowners and to understand the relevant PAS reporting arrangements.

13. We Record Important Findspots

For historically interesting finds, we believe detectorists should record:

• Location
• Date
• Field or beach
• GPS position where appropriate
• Photographs
• Relevant detector information

This can significantly increase the archaeological usefulness of a discovery.

14. We Do Not Aggressively Clean Important Finds

An old object does not necessarily need to be made shiny.

Improper cleaning can permanently remove:

• Patina
• Surface detail
• Plating
• Inscriptions
• Archaeological deposits

If we believe an object may be historically important, we prefer to identify it before deciding whether cleaning or conservation is appropriate.

Sometimes the correct amount of cleaning is none at all.

15. We Are Honest With Landowners

A good detecting permission depends on trust.

We believe detectorists should show landowners interesting finds and honour whatever agreement has been made regarding ownership.

We do not believe in hiding valuable or historically important objects from the person whose land we have been trusted to search.

16. We Agree Finds Ownership Before Detecting

Questions about valuable discoveries should be answered before they occur.

Where appropriate, we recommend a written Search Agreement covering matters such as:

• Ownership of ordinary finds
• Particularly valuable objects
• Treasure rewards
• Sale proceeds
• Reporting obligations

The NCMD's current Code of Conduct likewise recommends a written agreement between landowner and finder to avoid later disputes.

17. We Protect the Privacy of Our Permissions

We do not believe productive detecting locations should automatically be publicised.

Without the landowner's approval, detectorists should avoid publishing:

• Farm names
• Exact fields
• GPS coordinates
• Detailed maps
• Photographs revealing sensitive locations

This protects both the landowner and the archaeological resource.

Publicising productive sites can attract unauthorised detecting.

18. We Do Not Bring Unauthorised Guests

Permission granted to one detectorist should not automatically be interpreted as permission for an entire group.

We believe additional detectorists should attend only with the landowner's approval.

Respecting this boundary helps preserve long-term permissions.

19. We Respect Wildlife

Metal detecting takes us into habitats shared with wildlife.

We avoid unnecessarily disturbing:

• Nesting birds
• Protected species
• Habitats
• Vegetation

Certain environmentally protected sites also have specific legal restrictions.

The NCMD Code of Conduct specifically asks detectorists not to damage crops, frighten animals or disturb nesting birds.

20. We Do Not Disturb Dangerous Finds

Metal detectorists sometimes encounter military objects.

If we suspect that an object may be:

• Live ammunition
• A grenade
• A bomb
• A mine
• Other unexploded ordnance

we do not handle or move it.

The correct approach is to stop, move to a safe location and contact the appropriate authorities.

The NCMD's current Code likewise instructs detectorists to stop digging and seek emergency assistance when live ammunition, unexploded ordnance or human remains are discovered.

21. We Stop If Human Remains Are Found

If an object appears to be human bone or part of a burial, we stop digging.

We do not continue excavating out of curiosity.

The landowner and appropriate authorities should be informed.

22. We Do Not Chase Financial Value

Of course, finding something valuable can be exciting.

But financial value is not the reason every object matters.

A simple button, token or buckle can provide fascinating evidence about the people who once lived and worked on a piece of land.

We believe the historical story behind a find can be more interesting than its resale value.

23. We Share Knowledge

Metal detecting is a hobby where experience matters.

We believe in helping other detectorists learn about:

• Equipment
• Detector settings
• Target identification
• Responsible detecting
• Finds identification
• Permissions
• Archaeological reporting

Sharing genuine practical experience makes the hobby stronger.

24. We Encourage Beginners

Every experienced detectorist was once a beginner.

New detectorists will inevitably:

• Dig rubbish
• Misidentify signals
• Choose unsuitable settings
• Ask basic questions
• Make mistakes

We believe experienced detectorists should help beginners develop good habits from the start.

That means teaching not only how to find targets, but also how to detect responsibly.

25. We Represent the Hobby Positively

When using a detector, we are visible representatives of metal detecting.

Our behaviour can influence whether a farmer gives permission to the next person who asks.

It can also influence how members of the public perceive the hobby.

The NCMD describes detectorists as ambassadors for metal detecting and asks members to avoid conduct that may bring the hobby into disrepute.

We agree completely with that principle.

Our Metal Detecting Principles at a Glance

What Responsible Detecting Means to Us

For Metal Searchers, responsible detecting can be summarised quite simply:

Get permission before you search.

Respect the landowner.

Protect the land and wildlife.

Recover targets carefully.

Record historically important discoveries.

Report finds when required.

Leave every site in good condition.

Treat history with respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a metal detecting code of ethics?

A metal detecting code of ethics sets out principles for responsible behaviour, including permission, respectful digging, archaeological reporting, landowner relationships and protection of the countryside.

Is the Metal Searchers Code of Ethics legally binding?

No. It is our statement of responsible detecting principles. Detectorists must separately comply with applicable laws, landowner conditions and protected-site restrictions.

Is this the same as the NCMD Code of Conduct?

No. We strongly support many of the principles contained in the NCMD Code, but this page explains the standards that Metal Searchers itself believes responsible detectorists should follow.

Should detectorists always obtain permission?

Yes. Appropriate permission should be obtained before detecting on land.

Should all metal detecting finds be reported?

Not every ordinary modern find needs archaeological reporting. Potential Treasure is subject to legal reporting requirements, while archaeologically significant finds can be recorded through appropriate schemes such as PAS in England and Wales.

Should detectorists show their finds to landowners?

We believe significant finds should be shared openly with the landowner and handled according to whatever agreement has been made.

Should detectorists remove rubbish?

Yes. We believe unwanted metallic rubbish should be removed from the site and disposed of responsibly rather than being returned to the ground.

Is it acceptable to publish the location of a productive permission?

Only with the landowner's agreement. Protecting the privacy of detecting permissions helps reduce trespass and unauthorised detecting.

Should beginners follow the same standards?

Absolutely. Responsible detecting habits should be established from the first detecting session.

Final Thoughts

Metal detecting depends heavily on trust.

Landowners trust us with access to their property.

Archaeologists rely on responsible detectorists to record important discoveries.

The wider public expects us to leave the countryside undamaged.

Future detectorists depend on the reputation we create today.

After more than 30 years enjoying this hobby, we believe responsible metal detecting is not an inconvenience added to detecting.

It is part of metal detecting itself.

The most successful detectorist is not necessarily the person who finds the most valuable object.

It is the person who can return to a permission years later and still be welcomed by the landowner.

Respect the land. Respect the history. Respect the hobby.

About Metal Searchers
Metal Searchers is a family-run metal detecting website based in Cornwall, UK. Our advice is informed by more than 30 years of practical detecting experience on beaches and inland sites.