Participating in the Past: Metal Detecting

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6.15 Metal Detecting

Links between archaeologists and metal detectorists have been transformed in England and Wales through the establishment of the Portable Antiquities Recording Scheme, although the scheme’s long-term future still remains in doubt. The membership of detector clubs is substantial and many other individuals operate independently of these clubs. Detecting can be viewed as a particular form of public participation. Although the motivation behind a proportion of detecting may be purely commercial, most detectorists and archaeologists share a common interest in the past, even if it is viewed from a different perspective. The archaeological view is not always an attractive one to detectorists but there are areas of common ground and opportunities can be usefully sought by archaeological organisations including local groups to operate in partnership with detectorists.

  • Recommendation 39: Archaeological organisations and metal detecting groups should where possible initiate joint projects regulated by written agreements.
  • Recommendation 40: Local groups in England and Wales should forge links with Portable Antiquities Recording Scheme Liaison Officers.