Metal detecting

Many archaeological finds come to light through metal detecting. It is a legitimate hobby with a large following and the potential to contribute greatly to our understanding of the past.

There are many metal detector users active in Dorset, and we encourage and support responsible detecting through the Dorset metal detectorists liaison scheme.

We are always pleased to record archaeological finds, as even isolated finds may add something to our understanding of Dorset's past. Over a period even apparently insignificant finds may enable us to identify key concentrations of material, or to understand trade or settlement in the county through distribution patterns.

Dorset has a Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) as part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme for the voluntary recording of archaeological finds. You can get help with finds identification and care, and report archaeological finds through the Portable Antiquities team or by contacting the Historic Environment Record. We can also advise on the reporting of finds of potential treasure, as required by the Treasure Act 1996.

Many metal detectorists come along to our Finding Dorset events to handle and learn more about different types of finds.

Archaeological fieldwork including metal detecting on Dorset Council land

In September 2022 Dorset Council approved a new policy on archaeological fieldwork on council land. It sets out the conditions under which archaeological fieldwork, including metal detecting, may be allowed on Dorset Council land. 

The new policy replaces an older policy on metal detecting on Dorset Council farms.

The old policy

The Council's policy on metal detecting on council farms, established in 1996, was that metal detectors could not be used without prior written consent from the Senior Archaeologist. Consent was given only if the farm tenant agreed, and the following conditions had to be met:

• The detectorist was a member of the Dorset Council Metal Detectorists Liaison Scheme and agreed to abide by the Dorset Code of Best Practice for Metal Detecting in Dorset.
• Detecting was limited to land which had been ploughed recently (that is, not pasture).
• All finds remained the property of Dorset Council.
• The detectorist was able to demonstrate that finds would be recorded to archaeological standards.
• The detectorist had reported at least two previous years' finds to the Dorset Historic Environment Record.

The new policy extends this approach to all archaeological fieldwork activities and to all Dorset Council land.

The new policy

Archaeological fieldwork and metal detecting are not permitted on land owned or managed by Dorset Council unless it is part of an approved programme of archaeological investigation or research. 

The new policy relates to historic building recording and archaeological fieldwork by individuals, special interest groups such as metal detecting clubs, local history and archaeological societies, students and academic researchers. It applies to all Dorset Council land, including roadside verges.

Find out more about the new policy on archaeological fieldwork including metal detecting on Dorset Council land.