CODE OF CONDUCT FOR METAL DETECTOR USERS
1. Do not trespass. Ask permission before venturing on to any private land.
2. Respect the Country Code. Do not leave gates open when crossing fields, and do not damage
crops or frighten animals.
3. Do not leave a mess. It is simple to extract a coin or other small objects buried a few inches
under the ground without digging a great hole. Use a sharpened trowel or knife to cut a neat
circle or triangle (do not remove the plug of earth entirely from the ground); extract the
object; replace the soil and grass carefully and even you will have difficulty in finding the
spot again.
4. Help to keep the country tidy - and help yourself. Bottle tops, silver paper and tin cans are the
last thing you should throw away. You could well be digging them up again next year. Do
yourself and the community a favour by taking the rusty iron and junk you find to the nearest
litter bin.
5. If you discover any live ammunition or any lethal objects such as an unexploded bomb or
mine, do not touch it. Mark the site carefully and report the find to the local police.
6. Report all unusual historical finds to the landowner.
7. Familiarise yourself with the law relating to archaeological sites. Remember it is illegal for
anyone to use a metal detector on a scheduled ancient monument unless permission has been
obtained from the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monument Commission for England or the
Secretary of State for the Environment in Scotland and Wales.
8. The law relating to treasure finds must be followed. Details of the law in the UK can be
obtained from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (Tel 0171 211 6200) who produce
excellent literature to help you understand how the law affects you and your hobby.
9. Remember that when you are out with your metal detector, you are an ambassador for our
hobby. Do nothing that may give it a bad name.
CARE OF YOUR DETECTOR
Storage
When not in use your detector should be stored in a dry warm environment. If it is not to be used
for a certain length of time it is advisable to remove the batteries to avoid leakage which could
cause serious damage. The working life of your detector will be shortened by careless use or
neglect of the unit. Think of your detector as a scientific instrument. Your detector is designed to
withstand rugged handling on any terrain, but misuse or lack of due attention will tell in the end.
After using your detector in a hostile environment (salt water, sand, etc.) The exterior parts
should be flushed with clean fresh water, paying particular attention to the head and stems, then
carefully wipe dry.
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