Metal detecting is not permitted on beaches which have an SSSi (Site of Special Scientific Interest) attached to them. If a beach is not on the list above it either has an SSSi, or is a private beach.
Can I metal detect on a beach UK?
Guide Beach safety and information
Metal detecting is allowed at any time for individuals. Don’t forget to check the tides first. You should hold appropriate public liability insurance, report any significant finds to us and leave the beach as you found it (re-instating any holes).
Do you have to have permission to use a metal detector on a beach?
Found your ideal metal detecting site? You’ll need to make sure that you have full permission to detect there. Unless you’re heading to a public area (beaches, a local park or even your own back garden…), you’ll need to get in touch with the landowner to obtain their permission.
Do you need permission to metal detect UK?
You don’t need a licence to use a metal detector in the UK, but there are laws about their use. Using a metal detector is illegal on: private land, without permission from the owner.
What are the rules for metal detecting on the beach?
Do you need a License to metal detect on the beach? Instead of needing a license to use your metal detector on the beach, you are often required to have a permit. Most beaches, if not all, are owned by the local council, and you require a permit to use your metal detector on them.
Can you metal detect on river banks UK?
Metal detecting on the River Thames foreshore requires a separate permit from the Port of London Authority. Finds above the low water mark are generally the property of the landowner, unless classified as Treasure.
Can I metal detect on foreshore?
You must obtain permission from the landowner and tenant (both should be consulted) before using a metal detector anywhere. This includes land which is publicly accessible, such as beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land. The Crown Estate owns much of the coastal foreshore and issues permits for metal detecting.
Where can I metal detect without permission in UK?
This includes land to which the public have rights of access such as beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land. Under UK law there is no such thing as “finders keepers”. You always need the landowner’s permission to detect on an area of land and to keep anything you find on their land.
Why do people bring metal detectors to the beach?
Metal detecting offers a lot of benefits. First, it is a great way to get out and enjoy the beach. The benefits of walking are well known and on a good day, it is easy to walk 3 or 4 miles without even knowing it while detecting. Additionally, it is a great way to clean up the beaches of trash and debris.
Why do people search beaches with metal detectors?
Ever since metal detectors were commercially made people have been using them to comb beaches around the world, looking for lost treasures. And more often than not they find them. Whether it’s old or new coins or gold and silver jewellery, you can uncover some amazing finds when you are beach metal detecting.
Can I keep treasure I find UK?
You may get a share of the reward if you’re: the finder, and had permission to be on the land and acted in good faith. a person or organisation with freehold on the land. someone who occupies the land as a tenant of the owner.
Where is best to metal detect UK?
There is no wonder why the farmers field is probably the most popular place to go metal detecting in the UK. Most of the great finds, and hoards have been found here.
Can I keep what I find metal detecting?
Before you go metal-detecting
Any finds discovered will normally be the property of the landowner, so to avoid disputes it is advisable to get permission and agreement in writing first regarding the ownership of any finds subsequently discovered.
What are the three golden rules of metal detecting?
Respect private property and never metal detect an area without permission. Pack out what you pack in, and properly dispose of any trash you find. Leave all gates, structures, and personal property as they were before.
Where is best to metal detect beach?
sand
Although people frequent rocky beaches, they don’t typically hang out there and play around in the sand and surf. So, stick to sand – the more popular place the better. Start by searching around the more populated places on the beach such as under cabanas, high traffic areas, and the waters edge.
Can you metal detect in national forest UK?
It is not illegal to metal detect if you have landowner permission – it is however essential that you do so responsibly. However, it is illegal to metal detect on land covered by legal protections, such as Scheduled Monuments and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and doing so is a criminal offence.
Can you metal detect on public land UK?
You must have permission to detect on any land. This includes parks, public spaces, woods, common land and public footpaths! Permission must be from the land owner (and the tenant if the land is leased). Beaches are a good place to detect and Crown Estate and Scottish beaches are generally fine.
Can you metal detect on council land UK?
Damaging council land is classed as vandalism, it is an offence enforceable by the Police under the Criminal Damages Act 1971. Please report any unauthorised metal detecting by calling the Police on 101 or email our neighbourhood team and they can assess the situation and forward on to our partners if necessary.
Who owns the foreshore UK?
the Crown Estate
It is true that the majority of the foreshore in England and Wales is owned by the Crown Estate, however some of the foreshore is now also owned by private landlords. The confusion may arise from the fact that the Crown Estate is the prima facie owner of all foreshore (and seabed) by virtue of prerogative right.
Can you metal detect on public ground?
If you wish to metal-detect on land which is not your own, you must get permission from the landowner before you do so. If you metal-detect on land without consent, you may be charged with a criminal offence and you could be sued for damages.
Can you use a metal detector in the ocean?
You can metal detect both in the water and on the shore, depending on what type of metal detector you have. Specific detecting techniques will improve your chances of finding valuable items on the beach. Some metal detectors are better than others when it comes to beach metal detecting.