Nobody likes a long list of small print, but it is in our interests to “do the right thing”, there are many areas (even countries) that have banned the use of metal detecting. We are all aware of nighthawking and the irresponsible few, don’t join them.

Always ask permission of the land owner, even some tenants do not have permission to allow you to detect.

Be aware of any Scheduled sites, Ancient Monuments and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and never detect on them.

Adhere to the country code.

Leave gates as you find them.

Take all rubbish (and junk) home for disposal.

Leave the ground in the condition you found it, fill holes and repair grasswork.

Do not scare any stock (No dogs near sheep).

Make sure others have permission to be there – be self policing.

Always be courteous to others, they may be interested, they may be land owners.

If you are planning to detect abroad, make sure you are aware of their metal detecting laws.

Report any finds of live ammunition and lethal objects to the nearest police station.

Use common sense and consideration for others when detecting.

Do not remove or tamper with any signs, structural facilities or equipment.

In a World where people generally are not, you be responsible.

Show the farmer your finds, ask if he wants any and agree at what value they should be sold and the proceeds split. Remember the farmer owns all non-treasure finds, he has only given you permission to search. Hopefully he will have little interest in your “treasure”, but legally it is actually his. If you are showing up on a weekly basis, he knows you are finding good stuff.

If you do find farming equipment, try to give it to the farmer, or at least put it on the fence post at the gate on the way into the field.

Any item that may be over 300 years old should be shown to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and any treasure item must be given in to the coroner.

Encourage the accurate reporting of find spots (use GPS).

At club rallies we expect a certain amount of co-operation. If a member starts to excavate a potential hoard, it's not a free for all ! Help fence off the area, take photos and ask if they need assistance. Call organisers/committee members over for help. Only once the initial finder is happy he has recovered everything, then he will ask others to detect in the same spot. The find belongs to him and the farmer alone. You would wish the same if you were the finder.