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N.C.M.D Code of Conduct   

Remember that when you are out with your metal detector you are an ambassador for our hobby, do nothing that might give it a bad name and never miss an opportunity to explain your hobby to anyone who asks about it.

The Do’s & Don’ts

1. Do not trespass. Obtain permission before venturing on to any land.

2. Do not leave a mess or an unsafe surface for those who may follow. It is perfectly simple to extract a coin or other small object buried a few inches below the ground without digging a great hole.

3. Use a suitable digging implement to cut a neat flap (do not remove the plug of earth entirely from the ground), extract the object, reinstate the grass, sand or soil carefully, and even you will have difficulty in locating the find spot again.

4. Do not disturb any finds such as live ammunition or lethal objects like unexploded bombs or mines. Mark the site carefully and report the find to the local police and landowner.

5. It is illegal for anyone to use a metal detector on a designated area (e.g. Scheduled Monuments (SM), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), or Ministry of Defence property) without permission from the appropriate authority.

6. It is also a condition of most agri-environment agreements that metal detecting access is subject to certain rules and regulations, including mandatory reporting of all finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

7. Respect the Country Code, leave gates and property as you find them and do not damage crops, frighten animals or disturb nesting birds.

8. Help keep Britain tidy. Safely dispose of refuse you come across.

9. Report all unusual historical finds to the landowner, and acquaint yourself with current NCMD policy relating to the Voluntary Reporting of Portable Antiquities in England and Wales and the mandatory reporting requirements in Scotland.

10. Acquaint yourself with the terms and definitions used in the following documents:

 ‘Treasure’ contained in the Treasure Act 1996 and its associated Code of Practice, making sure you understand your responsibilities.  

 Advice for Finders of Archaeological Objects and Treasure 2024.  

 The voluntary Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting 2017 Revision.

 Advice for finders in Scotland: Learn more here » 

 Permission Agreement Form