Most people searching for a metal detecting club near them want to know three things: where the club actually detects, whether they can come along without years of experience, and what happens to anything they find. Here are the answers, plus a full list of the areas we cover.
Where we detect
All of our detecting is on private farmland with the landowner's written permission. We do not detect on scheduled monuments, designated land or anywhere without permission, and we never publish exact findspots. Across our permissions we have run 787 recorded digs to date.
Can beginners come along?
Yes. You will need your own detector, a proper digging tool and a finds pouch, but you do not need experience. Every member is registered with the National Council for Metal Detecting and detects under its Code of Conduct, and there is always someone on a dig happy to help with a signal you cannot make sense of. If you have never been out before, read our beginner's guide to metal detecting first.
What happens to what you find
Anything of archaeological interest is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Gold and silver objects over 300 years old, and coin hoards, are Treasure in law and are reported to the coroner through the Finds Liaison Officer. You can see what our members have recorded in our finds gallery.