Metal detecting and field-walking are probably the most popular and accessible types of amateur archaeological activity.

Every year thousands of archaeological objects are discovered, many of these by metal detector users, but also by people whilst out walking, gardening or going about their daily work. These discoveries offer an important source for understanding our past.

Metal detectorists have recovered a huge amount of material for archaeological research - progress could be even greater if more finds were reported. While thousands of items are found each year by detectorists, even today only an small proportion are recorded.

There has been a lot of work to promote voluntary recording - In the absence of mandatory reporting of all finds in England and Wales, it's down to us as responsible detectorists to correct this imbalance by recording our finds.

If you do unearth an archaeological object it is very important that it is recorded.

Even for those of us who do follow the metal detecting code of practice, there still remain problems - many detectorists lack the specialist resources to conserve their finds, and may unintentionally treat them in ways that harm them.

There are ethical dilemmas about whether it is right to amass personal collections of material inaccessible to more detailed research, or to sell such collections on the open market. Looting still takes place.

There are also concerns that the payment of rewards for 'Treasure' finds sends out a questionable message.

But it is crucial to work through these issues, so that in the long term we all gain a greater understanding of our archaeological inheritance.

Metal Detector Description.pdf

Search methods
If you are detecting a large area with no particular concentration of finds then a more rapid rate over a wide area might be appropriate. You can then assess whether it is a potentially good site by adopting an explorative search technique.

One method often used is known as the "Union Jack" system. This is done by detecting around the perimeter of the field and then searching corner to corner as in the diagram. This can help ascertain whether there are any productive areas that you might want to concentrate on.

If you do find a productive area a more methodical search pattern and approach can be used to maximise your find rate. One way of achieving this is to use a "criss-cross" technique. Use pegs and string to mark out the area and search by slowly overlapping each sweep of your detector. For optimum coverage repeat the process at right angles.

How Metal Detectors Work.pdf

Some Q & A's.pdf

Digging.pdf

How deep is plough soil?
It is best practice to detect on ploughed land, where the finds recovered are already removed from their original archaeological context. Recovering objects from below the plough soil can damage archaeological layers and should be avoided.

The differences in plough soil will vary according to the area and soil constitution. Plough soil is usually darker... and looks like topsoil.

You will notice a difference in soil density for a start, the sub soil is very compact. It will differ in colour.

"if in doubt, don't dig it out"

Subsoil will vary...
Sandy soil, will look lighter and sandy'ier
Clay soil, will look lighter and Clay'ier
Stoney soil......... if you get my drift

The action of the plough creates a pan, a hard surface that is difficult to penetrate. It is often at a lower level on land deep ploughed for potatoes.

Sub-soiling with a spike to a depth of approximately two feet on heavy land, helps to break up the solid pan & provide drainage. This sometimes bring to the surface grave goods that would not normally be in the plough soil.

VR1000B-II Long Range King Operating Methods.pdf