Metal Detecting on UK Beaches

Metal detecting on the  beaches of the UK is a wonderful way to spend your time, offering both outdoors fun along with the chance of discovering hidden treasures. However, to ensure a responsible and lawful pursuit of this activity, it's essential to understand the regulations and best practices involved. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy metal detecting along the UK's diverse coastlines.

Do I need permission to metal detect on the beach?

Yes, no, maybe!

The legal particulars of whether you are allowed to use your metal detector on beach largely depend on who owns that beach. The good news for those looking to go treasure hunting is that the majority of the UK coastline is owned, or at least managed, by the Crown Estate.

If you want to go metal detecting on a Crown Estate section of the coast you can do so without obtaining formal consent. The same applies in Scotland where beaches are managed by the Crown Estate Scotland and there is a generally implied right of access.

Whilst no permit is required to metal detect on foreshore owned by the Crown Estate, this raises the question of "What is the foreshore?". In short this is the area of beach between the mean high water (MHW) mark and the mean low water mark (MLW). So, although metal detecting might require no specific permit on the foreshore, you may need to obtain permission if you wish to detect above the high tide mark. 

Using a metal detector on Crown Estate foreshore does come with some terms and conditions. Chief among these are to only carry out surface detection (i.e. no very deep digging) and you may only use hand tools. So no shovels or mechanical tools.

Approximately 55% of the UK's foreshore is owned by the Crown Estate, the rest is owned by an assortment of organisations and individuals. The Duchy of Cornwall and Ministry of Defence are probably the next biggest owners and then there are numerous smaller private landowners such as holiday parks.

If a beach is not owned by the Crown Estate then you must obtain permission from the landowner. You can check here to see if the beach is Crown Estate.

One of the largest owners of UK coastline is the National Trust. Sadly for metal detectorists they have pretty much a complete ban in place. The only opportunity you may get to use a metal detector on NT land is as part of a clearly defined archaeological project, and even then strict conditions apply. For further details on their policy follow this link.

Another big no for metal detecting on UK beaches is when they have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is in order to protect nesting birds or rare plants and animals that may be present..

Local byelaws

Below are a number of links to local council byelaws and policies on metal detecting.Broadly speaking they are all fairly similar but there are some small differences worth checking in advance.

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
• Brighton and Hove City Council
• Cheshire Council
• Conwy Council
• Cornwall Council
• East Devon Council
• East Riding of Yorkshire
• Hampshire Council
• Isle of Wight Council
• Pembrokeshire Council
• Sussex Council
• Suffolk Council

Do I need to report my finds?

Again, this is a yes and no. Whether what you find qualifies as treasure is defined in the Treasure Act of 1996, which replaces the older concept of "treasure trove". If it does then you will need to report it to the local coroner or "finds liaison officer" within 14 days. Failure to do so is breaking the law and may result in a fine.

The criteria for what counts as treasure include:

• A single find over 300 years old and containing at least 10% gold or silver
• Two or more coins of precious metal over 300 years old
• Ten or more coins dating back over 300 years, regardless of precious metal content
• Any object that would have previously been a treasure trove

If an item is deemed treasure then the finder may receive a reward up to market value. Bear in mind this will be divided between the finders and landowner.

Even if a find does not qualify as treasure it is encouraged that the finder registers anything significant with the PAS (Portable Antiquities Scheme). Run by the British Museum, this scheme aims to document discoveries on a database which offers historical value to researchers and others interested in heritage.

Where are the best beaches for metal detecting?

Of course you may have luck finding objects of interest and/or value on any British beach. However, if you are looking to improve your chances of historical finds then  it is worth thinking about what might have gone on there in the past.

On England's east coast the beaches of Norfolk and Suffolk, with their rich history of trading and warfare, are hotspots for interesting finds. Further south areas of Kent and Sussex, known for their busy maritime history, have been known to yield historical artifacts and coins.

On the west coast and Wales the beaches of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire, with their history of shipwrecks and smuggling, can also be fruitful areas for metal detecting. Whilst Scottish Beaches, rich in Viking and medieval history, can sometimes reveal remarkable historical artifacts.

When is the best time for metal detecting?

Given that the vast majority of your metal detecting activity will be confined to the foreshore, it makes sense to head out when the tide is low and there is more sand. The bigger the area to search the more chance of finding something.

Taking this one step further, spring tides are a great time for detecting. These are the lowest of low tides and can offer an opportunity to explore previously unsearched parts of the beach.

Another great time to metal detect on the beach is after a storm. The waves can churn up objects that have remained undiscovered for centuries.

What do I need to go metal detecting?

A good quality metal detector suited for beach use, typically those with either a multi-frequency or pulse induction technology, will help in efficiently locating finds. A sand scoop and a finds pouch are also essential tools for beach detecting.

Metal detector's code of Conduct

• Do not trespass. Always obtain the permission of the landowner where required
• Always leave the site as you find it. Do not leave a mess or unsafe surface - in other words fill in any holes you may have dug
• Respect the laws around protected sites including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Scheduled Monuments (SM) or Ministry of Defence property
• Respect the "Country Code". For example do not leave gates open or alarm livestock

For more information check the Portable Antiquities Scheme website which provides a voluntary Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting.

Safety advice for metal detecting

Probably the most important thing is to know the tide times. The best time for beach detecting is often during low tide when more of the beach is exposed. However, this increases the chance of getting caught out by the incoming tide, which can move fast. Often this will mean getting away with wet feet, but it is quite possible to get cut off or stranded by the rising tide.

One of the more "exciting" dangers of metal detecting is the possibility of discovering live ammunition or unexploded bombs. If you do ever come across an object you suspect of being such you should mark the site and immediately contact the local police. Never attempt to unearth old ordnance.

Another potential danger at the beach is unstable cliffs. So be aware of this if you are detecting near a cliff face.

Although notoriously fickle, the British weather is rarely dangerous. Beyond a surprise soaking the biggest danger is that of sunburn. The sun can be surprisingly strong at the beach, particularly in the middle of the day. Therefore we would suggest a hat and sunblock if you are planning a spot of summer detecting.