Verbal permission is a start, but a short written agreement protects both you and the landowner. It sets out where you can go, what happens to finds, and what you’ll do if something important turns up. It also shows a farmer you take it seriously, which makes a yes more likely.
Below is a free template you can copy and adapt. It isn’t legal advice. For anything unusual, or land with complicated ownership or tenancy, get proper advice.
What a permission agreement should cover
- Who: your name and contact details, and the landowner’s (or occupier’s).
- Where: the fields or area covered. A marked map is ideal.
- When: the dates, or “until either party ends it”, and any times or seasons to avoid.
- Finds: how finds are shared or divided. Many agreements split the value of significant finds equally between finder and landowner.
- Treasure: a statement that anything that may be treasure will be reported to the coroner within 14 days, as the law requires.
- Recording: whether finds will be recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).
- Insurance: that you hold public liability cover. See our insurance guide.
- Conduct: filling holes, closing gates, avoiding crops and livestock, taking rubbish away.
- Ending it: that either party can end the agreement at any time.
Free template
METAL DETECTING PERMISSION AGREEMENT
Landowner / occupier: [Name], [Address], [Phone]
Detectorist: [Name], [Address], [Phone], [Email]
1. Permission. The landowner gives the detectorist permission to search with a metal detector on the land shown on the attached map at [farm or field names], from [start date] until this agreement is ended by either party.
2. Access. The detectorist will use only the agreed access points and will avoid [growing crops / livestock / areas marked on the map], and any other areas the landowner asks them to avoid.
3. Conduct. The detectorist will fill in all holes and replace turf, leave gates as found, take away any rubbish recovered, and follow the National Council for Metal Detecting code of conduct.
4. Finds. Finds will be shown to the landowner on request. The detectorist may keep finds of low value. Any find valued above £[amount], and any reward for treasure, will be shared [50/50] between the landowner and the detectorist, unless agreed otherwise in writing.
5. Treasure. Any find that may be treasure under the Treasure Act 1996 will be reported to the coroner, usually through the local Finds Liaison Officer, within 14 days, and the landowner will be told.
6. Recording. The detectorist [will / may] record finds with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Findspot details will be kept confidential to protect the land.
7. Insurance. The detectorist holds public liability insurance of £[amount] with [provider, e.g. NCMD], and will show proof on request.
8. Ending the agreement. Either party may end this agreement at any time by telling the other.
Signed (landowner): __________________ Date: ________
Signed (detectorist): __________________ Date: ________
Keep a signed copy each, and carry a copy (or a photo of it) with you when you detect.
Tips for asking
- Ask in person, politely, at a sensible time, not during harvest or lambing.
- Bring your paperwork: the agreement, proof of insurance, and ideally a few finds you’ve recorded, to show you’re responsible.
- Offer something: a share of finds, help around the farm, or simply a promise to report anything interesting first.
- Take no for an answer gracefully. A courteous no today can become a yes next season.
See our full guide to getting permission for more on finding land and approaching farmers.
Turn up looking the part
The kit that shows you'll look after the land
Farmers notice neat holes and tidy detectorists. A proper spade such as the CKG carbon detecting shovel (about £64), a finds pouch with a rubbish pocket (about £27), and write-on finds bags (about £4.50 for 100) for recording finds properly all help. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A book on finding and securing good land
Successful Detecting Sites (about £23, 4.4 stars from 107 reviews) covers researching land before you ask. See our books guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
Is a verbal agreement enough? Legally you only need permission, but a written agreement avoids misunderstandings, particularly over finds, and it proves you had permission if you’re ever challenged.
What’s a fair finds split? A 50/50 split of the value of significant finds is common, but it’s whatever you both agree. Put it in writing.
Who owns treasure? Treasure belongs to the Crown. If a museum acquires it, a reward is usually shared between the finder and landowner. See our treasure guide.
Do I need permission from a tenant farmer as well? Often yes. The occupier and the owner may both have a say, so check who controls access.