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FAQ
Q: Can I metal detect without joining a club ?
A: Yes you can, some people prefer to detect alone or in small groups however joining a club is the quickest way to learn about the hobby, meet likeminded people and get out on organised digs.
Q: Can I metal detect anywhere I like ?
A: No you certainly cannot. In all cases you must have the land owners permission in order to detect on privately owned land. Some local authorities grant permission for detectorists to detect on council owned land, however Kent County Council do not. You can detect on the shoreline of most beaches if they are a part of the Crown Estate but you will need to check the specific beach first.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of Metal Detecting ?
A: Getting permission from Land owners to detect on their land. Be prepared to hear the word 'No' quite often. Always be polite and courteous, you never know, they might change their mind, and its the right way to behave.
Is it expensive to join a metal detecting club ?
A: No, Swale Search & Recovery charges £12 annual fee which includes membership to the National Council for Metal Detecting (which gives you £1,000,000 public liability insurance) and we pay £2 when attending club meetings to cover the cost of the room hire.
Q: Are Metal Detectors very expensive ?
A: They range in price from £100 to £2000 depending on the sophistication and quality of the individual machine. As with most things you get what you pay for however a decent quality detector can be purchased for about £200. Remember, there are always second-hand bargains to be had of high end machines at a reasonable cost.
Q: What other equipment will I need ?
A: A decent spade, a pouch or finds bag and a pin pointer, although its not absolutely necessary it is a very handy piece of kit.
Q: Can I keep everything I find ?
A: No, all property found belongs to the land owner, however most detectorists have a written agreement stating that they can retain items found that fall below a certain value. Anything over the agreed value is usually split 50/50. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the treasure act (see the link on our links page). It is good practice bearing in mind that a land owner has given you permission to detect on their land to offer them the opportunity to retain some of the finds you make.
Q: Are there rules that I have to follow when out metal detecting ?
A: Yes some very important ones:
1. Respect the Environment: Always fill in your holes after digging to minimise the impact on the environment. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of public spaces and private properties. It also prevents accidents with people or livestock injuring themselves by stumbling into unfilled holes.
2. Seek Permission: Always obtain permission before detecting on private land or protected areas. Metal detecting on land without permission is illegal and can lead to fines, imprisonment or confiscation of your equipment.
3. Report Significant Finds: If you discover something of historical importance or significant value, such as treasure or artefacts, you must report it to the appropriate authorities (The local Finds Liaison Officer & if the find constitutes treasure, the Coroner) . This ensures that items of cultural significance are preserved and protected.
4. Be kind & courteous to everyone. You will meet any number of people while out metal detecting. Always be pleasant and courteous to them. Its important that we protect the image of metal detectorists being responsible and decent people.
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