Metal Detecting Rules UK: NCMD Code of Conduct Explained

Responsible metal detecting is about much more than simply obtaining a detector and finding somewhere to search.

Every time we go detecting, our behaviour affects how landowners, farmers, archaeologists and the wider public view the hobby.

The National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD) Code of Conduct provides a useful framework for responsible detecting in the UK.

At Metal Searchers, we strongly support the principle behind it: obtain proper permission, respect the land, protect archaeology, report important discoveries and leave every site as you found it.

This guide explains the main rules in practical terms.

This two minute YouTube video from https://www.ncmd.co.uk in our opinion is excellent, and well worth watching.

1. Always Get Permission Before Metal Detecting

This is the most fundamental rule.

Do not metal detect on land without permission from the person who owns or controls it.

This includes:

• Farmland
• Pasture
• Woodland
• Parks
• Commons
• Public spaces
• Private gardens
• Public footpaths
• Beaches where permission is required

A right to walk somewhere does not automatically give you a right to metal detect or dig there.

For private land, the NCMD recommends using a written Search Agreement so that both detectorist and landowner understand what has been agreed.

For more detail, see our guide to getting permission to metal detect on private land.

2. Do Not Detect on Protected Sites

Never assume that landowner permission overrides archaeological protection.

Scheduled Monuments and other protected locations can be subject to strict legal restrictions.

Examples can include:

• Ancient settlements
• Burial mounds
• Hillforts
• Roman sites
• Medieval settlements
• Castles
• Industrial archaeological remains
• Other nationally important sites

The NCMD Code of Conduct specifically warns against using a detector on designated areas without permission from the appropriate authority.

For the legal detail, read our UK Metal Detecting Laws guide.

3. Check for Environmental Restrictions

Some land may also be protected for environmental reasons.

Restrictions can apply to:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest
• Wildlife habitats
• Nesting birds
• Rare plants
• Countryside Stewardship land
• Other agri-environment schemes

Metal detecting and digging must not conflict with the conditions attached to the land.

Ask the landowner if any environmental agreements apply.

4. Respect Crops

Do not walk through standing crops unless the farmer has specifically told you that you may.

Detectorists should work around the agricultural calendar.

Suitable times might include:

• After harvest
• On stubble
• Before drilling
• On pasture
• During periods specifically agreed with the farmer

Remember that the land exists primarily as part of somebody's livelihood.

5. Respect Livestock

Never assume that access permission means you can enter every livestock field.

Follow the farmer's instructions.

Take particular care around:

• Cattle
• Horses
• Bulls
• Lambing sheep
• Young animals

If you are uncertain, ask before entering.

6. Leave Gates As You Find Them

This simple rule is extremely important.

If a gate is closed:

Close it behind you.

If it is open:

Leave it open unless the landowner has told you otherwise.

An incorrectly left gate can allow livestock to escape or interfere with farm management.

7. Do Not Block Farm Access

Park only where agreed.

Never block:

• Gateways
• Farm tracks
• Barn entrances
• Machinery access
• Livestock routes

A tractor, livestock trailer or emergency vehicle may need access at any time.

8. Dig Carefully

Good target recovery should create as little disturbance as possible.

The NCMD recommends using an appropriate digging implement and reinstating the ground carefully after recovering the object.

On suitable grass:

1. Pinpoint the target accurately.
2. Cut a neat flap or plug.
3. Recover the target.
4. Return loose soil.
5. Replace the turf.
6. Press it securely into position.

When finished, the findspot should be difficult to identify.

9. Fill Every Hole

Never leave an open hole.

This applies whether you are detecting:

• Farmland
• Pasture
• Parks
• Beaches
• Woodland

Open holes can create hazards for people, livestock and machinery.

On a beach, refill the sand before moving on.

10. Take Your Rubbish Home

You will find rubbish.

Common examples include:

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

Do not throw unwanted objects into a hedge or leave them beside the hole.

Put them in your finds pouch and dispose of them properly later.

Removing sharp metal can actually leave farmland safer than you found it.

11. Do Not Disturb Dangerous Finds

Occasionally detectorists encounter potentially dangerous objects.

These can include:

• Ammunition
• Grenades
• Bombs
• Mines
• Other military ordnance

If you suspect that you have found unexploded ordnance:

Do not touch, move, dismantle or attempt to identify it by handling it.

Move away from the object, mark or record the location from a safe distance if appropriate, and contact the police.

The NCMD specifically advises detectorists not to disturb live ammunition or other potentially lethal objects.

12. Stop If You Find Human Remains

If you uncover what appears to be human bone or a burial:

Stop digging.

Do not continue excavating to see what else is there.

Contact the appropriate authorities and the landowner.

Human remains may be archaeological, but they may also require police investigation.

13. Stop If You Discover an Archaeological Feature

Metal detecting should not turn into uncontrolled archaeological excavation.

If you expose:

• Structured masonry
• A burial
• A hoard
• A pottery deposit
• An unusual concentration of objects
• Other significant archaeological remains

stop and obtain expert advice.

The archaeological context surrounding objects can be just as important as the objects themselves.

14. Record Important Findspots Accurately

For significant finds, record where they came from.

Useful information includes:

• GPS position
• Field
• Date
• Depth
• Nearby objects
• Photographs before cleaning

An archaeological object without a reliable findspot has lost a substantial part of its historical information.

15. Report Potential Treasure

Detectorists in England and Wales need to understand the Treasure Act 1996, as amended.

Potential Treasure must be reported within the applicable legal timescale.

The NCMD Code of Conduct reminds members that Treasure finds in England and Wales must be reported within 14 days of discovery or of becoming aware that the object may qualify as Treasure.

The Treasure definition was expanded in 2023, so potentially significant base-metal objects should not automatically be dismissed.

If in doubt, contact your local Finds Liaison Officer.

16. Record Archaeological Finds Where Appropriate

Many historically interesting finds do not qualify as Treasure.

In England and Wales, the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) records archaeological objects discovered by members of the public.

Typical recorded finds include:

• Coins
• Buckles
• Brooches
• Mounts
• Tokens
• Medieval artefacts
• Roman objects
• Prehistoric objects

Recording significant non-Treasure finds helps preserve information about Britain's past.

17. Tell the Landowner About Interesting Finds

Keep the landowner involved.

If you find something unusual or historically interesting, show them.

A good permission should be based on trust rather than secrecy.

If an FLO subsequently identifies the object, consider sharing that information with the landowner as well.

18. Agree Ownership of Finds in Advance

Do not wait until something valuable is discovered before discussing who owns it.

The NCMD recommends a written agreement between landowner and detectorist.

The agreement can specify:

• Ownership of ordinary finds
• Treatment of valuable finds
• Possible sale proceeds
• Division of Treasure rewards
• Whether the landowner wishes to retain particular objects

There is no benefit in leaving this unclear.

19. Do Not Bring Other Detectorists Without Permission

Permission given to you should normally be treated as permission for you.

Do not arrive with:

• Friends
• Club members
• Family members
• Several additional detectorists

unless the landowner has agreed.

This is a common way to damage an otherwise good permission.

20. Protect the Landowner's Privacy

Think carefully before publishing details online.

Do not disclose without permission:

• Farm names
• Exact field locations
• GPS coordinates
• Maps
• Photographs revealing the location
• Details that could identify a productive site

Publicising valuable finds and precise locations can encourage unauthorised detecting.

21. Follow the Countryside Code

Good detectorists should behave like responsible countryside visitors.

That includes:

• Respecting livestock
• Avoiding crop damage
• Leaving gates correctly
• Protecting wildlife
• Avoiding nesting birds
• Taking rubbish home
• Respecting other people

Your conduct reflects on every detectorist who may ask that landowner for permission in the future.

22. Understand the Rules Before Attending Rallies

Organised detecting events can have their own conditions.

These may include:

• Insurance requirements
• Restricted fields
• Finds reporting procedures
• Treasure procedures
• Parking arrangements
• Starting and finishing times
• Archaeological exclusions

Read the event rules before detecting.

The NCMD also expects organisers in its club and group framework to promote responsible detecting, adequate insurance and proper finds reporting.

23. Carry Appropriate Insurance

Public liability insurance is worth considering for anyone regularly detecting private land.

NCMD membership currently includes relevant third-party liability insurance for registered members.

Landowners may ask for evidence before granting permission.

Carry your membership details where appropriate.

24. Be Polite to Members of the Public

People are naturally curious about metal detecting.

If someone asks what you are doing, a polite explanation can help promote a positive view of the hobby.

Avoid arguments.

You are effectively representing the wider detecting community whenever you are using a detector in public view.

25. Leave the Site Better Than You Found It

This is perhaps the simplest way to summarise responsible metal detecting.

When you leave:

• Holes should be filled.
• Turf should be reinstated.
• Gates should be correct.
• Rubbish should be removed.
• Crops should be undamaged.
• Livestock should be undisturbed.
• The landowner should have no reason to regret allowing you access.

That is how long-term permissions are maintained.

NCMD Metal Detecting Rules at a Glance

A Simple Responsible Detecting Routine

Before you detect:

1. Confirm permission.

2. Check the land is not a protected site.

3. Ask about environmental restrictions.

4. Confirm which fields you may enter.

5. Check crops and livestock.

6. Confirm parking and access.

7. Make sure your finds agreement is clear.

While detecting:

8. Dig carefully.

9. Fill every hole.

10. Remove rubbish.

11. Record important finds.

12. Respect wildlife and other countryside users.

If something unusual appears:

13. Stop if you encounter dangerous objects, human remains or significant archaeological deposits.

14. Seek appropriate expert advice.

After detecting:

15. Leave the land as you found it.

16. Show the landowner interesting finds.

17. Report anything that requires reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to metal detect in the UK?

You need appropriate permission for the land you intend to search. Public access does not automatically provide metal detecting rights.

Can I metal detect on a public footpath?

A public right of way does not automatically provide permission to metal detect or dig on the underlying land.

Can I metal detect on Scheduled Monuments?

Not without the appropriate statutory consent. Recreational detecting on Scheduled Monuments should be avoided.

Do I have to fill holes when metal detecting?

Yes. Responsible detecting requires every hole to be properly reinstated.

What should I do with metal detecting rubbish?

Take it home and dispose of it responsibly.

What should I do if I find ammunition?

Do not disturb suspected live ammunition or unexploded ordnance. Move away and contact the police.

Do metal detecting finds have to be reported?

Potential Treasure is subject to mandatory reporting requirements. Other archaeologically significant finds can be recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme in England and Wales.

Do I have to tell the farmer what I find?

Your agreement with the landowner should cover finds. Responsible detectorists should maintain transparency and show significant finds to the landowner.

Should I have a written permission agreement?

We recommend one. The NCMD provides a Search Agreement specifically for this purpose.

Do I need metal detecting insurance?

There is no single general requirement applying to every detecting situation, but public liability insurance is strongly worth considering and may be required by landowners or event organisers.

Final Thoughts

The NCMD Code of Conduct is based largely on common sense and respect.

A responsible detectorist should:

Get permission.

Protect the land.

Respect crops and livestock.

Avoid protected archaeological sites.

Fill every hole.

Remove rubbish.

Record important discoveries.

Report potential Treasure.

Honour agreements with landowners.

After more than 30 years in metal detecting, we believe these principles are essential to protecting the future of the hobby.

A detectorist who behaves responsibly does more than protect their own permission.

They make it easier for the next detectorist to be trusted as well.

Happy and responsible detecting!