Finding land to detect on is the hardest part of the hobby for most beginners, harder than choosing a detector. In the UK every field belongs to someone, and you need their permission. This guide covers how to find land, how to ask, and how to put it on a proper footing so everyone’s protected.
Why permission matters so much
Detecting without permission is trespass, and removing finds can be treated as theft. It can also cost you money: if you find treasure on land where you didn’t have permission, your share of any reward can be reduced or refused entirely. Good relationships with farmers are also what keep detecting accepted in the UK. One careless detectorist can lose a whole club its land.
Ways to find land
- Join a local detecting club. Many clubs have permission on local farms for their members, and it’s the easiest route for beginners. You’ll also learn a lot from experienced members.
- Go to a detecting rally or dig. Organised events on farmland run throughout the year. You pay a fee, the organiser has the permission and handles the finds arrangements, and it’s a good way to get experience.
- Ask farmers directly. This is the route to your own permissions. It takes persistence, but a single good farm can keep you busy for years.
- Use your network. Friends, family, colleagues and neighbours often know someone with land.
How to ask a farmer
- Do your homework. Find out who owns or farms the land. Parish councils, local farm shops and land registry records can help. Tenant farmers may need their landlord’s agreement too.
- Pick your moment. Farmers are busy, especially at harvest and lambing. A polite letter or a knock on the door at a quiet time goes down better than a call in the middle of the day.
- Be clear and professional. Explain who you are, that you follow the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting, that you’ll fill in your holes, close gates, avoid crops and livestock, and report finds properly.
- Mention insurance. Many detectorists join an organisation that includes public liability insurance, which reassures landowners.
- Offer something back. Share your finds, offer to look for lost keys or tools, or help out. Many farmers enjoy seeing what’s been found on their land.
- Accept a no gracefully. You may be back in a year’s time.
Put it in writing
Once a farmer says yes, get it in writing. The Code of Practice recommends it, and it protects both of you. A simple permission letter or agreement should cover:
- Who has permission and which land (a field map helps).
- When: any times of year to avoid, such as crop or livestock periods.
- What happens to finds. Who owns what, and how any non-treasure finds or their value will be shared. Under the Treasure Act, treasure rewards are usually split equally between finder and landowner unless you agree otherwise, so it’s sensible to agree the same for other finds.
- Reporting. That finds will be recorded with the local Finds Liaison Officer.
- Conduct. Filling holes, closing gates, and keeping away from livestock and crops.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme publishes guidance for landowners that’s worth sharing with a farmer who’s unsure.
Checks before you start
- Is any of the land a scheduled monument? Detecting on one is a criminal offence, even with the farmer’s permission. Check the official heritage list for the area.
- Is the land in a Countryside Stewardship or similar agreement? Known archaeological sites on such land can need Natural England’s permission for detecting.
- Are there archaeological investigations going on? Don’t detect without the archaeologists’ agreement.
- Where does each find come from? Record it with a GPS app on your phone. It makes finds far more valuable to archaeologists, and it’s part of the Code of Practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a verbal agreement enough? It’s legal permission, but a written agreement avoids disputes, especially if you find something valuable.
Can a tenant farmer give me permission? They can give access, but ownership of finds usually rests with the landowner, so the landowner should agree to the finds arrangement too.
What if I find treasure on permission land? You must report it within 14 days. See our guide to what to do if you find treasure.
Do I need permission to detect in Scotland? Yes. Scotland has a legal right of access to much land, but it doesn’t cover metal detecting, so ask the landowner. All archaeological finds must also be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit.