With a history as long and battle-speckled as ours, it’s inevitable that the UK is full of treasure.
In fact, according to official stats, over a thousand pieces of treasure were declared in the UK in 2020, with the east of England, most notably Norfolk, particularly rich hunting grounds for finding long-forgotten, valuable artefacts. The majority of it was unearthed through the use of metal detectors.
What happens to the finds? According to the Treasure Act of 1996, the finder has to give first refusal to a museum first; if they don’t want it, it’s finder’s keepers.
But before you mentally file away metal detecting as a side hustle, pound signs in your eyes, there are many reasons why it’s an excellent hobby in itself, and one that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Aside from giving yourself a break from screens, it’s a perfect distraction exercise, upping your daily step count while you’re preoccupied with another task. It’ll also increase your knowledge of English history, always handy come pub quiz time. And, with the right detector, anyone can do it - no special skills, beyond waving what’s essentially a digital stick over the ground, necessary.
We spoke to Joan Allen, a leader in the metal detecting field, for more information.
Why is metal detecting a fun hobby?
Metal detecting has previously been viewed as a hobby for the older generation but due to the pandemic over the past few years, it has encouraged people from all demographics to get outside and explore new landscapes as well as find things in the ground with incredible historical significance. It offers an opportunity to get out there and concentrate on listening for the tones from the machine and taking time out from a busy lifestyle to just enjoy theopen space. There have been multiple groups that have formed over the past few years which use metal detecting to improve mental health and encourage those who have been struggling to get out and talk.
What sort of equipment should a newbie look for?
There are a few things that you need to get started with the hobby:
- A metal detector: There are lots of entry-level machines from well-established brands on the market which are simple pick-up-and-go machines and will have you digging signals in no time.
- PinPoint Probe: Once you’ve located a signal with the metal detector and then dug a small hole it helps to use a pinpoint probe to pinpoint exactly where the find is.
- Digging tool: A classic spade will do the trick but often a small hand-held digging tool can help to get in the smaller holes and avoid damaging up any important artifacts.
- Finds pouch: A small pouch which straps around your waist and is perfect for storing anything that you find and avoids filling up your pockets with mud/sand.
What features are essential, and which are just fun add-ons?
- Machine features: A machine that discriminates against iron is essential these days, so make sure to look out for that when picking a machine. You don’t want to be digging up iron due to it often not having much historical meaning. We also live in the UK so a completely waterproof machine is always a good idea, getting caught out in a rain stormcould potentially damage your expensive machine if it’s not waterproof. None essentialitems tend to get referred to as aftermarketadd-ons to customise your machine, there is an ever-growing market of camouflagecovers, carbon fibre shafts and screen covers to stand out on the field.
- Equipment features: The Metal Detector and spade is an obvious essential but there are lots of little things that you can add to your equipment list which will make your life easier out on the field.
- Kapaan finds cleaning brush: used to clean anything you find as well as measure and get a closer look at any important details.
- Gloves: You will be rummaging around in the ground trying to find the signal that the machine is giving off so a lot of people wear gloves to protect their hands.
- Carry Bag: Metal Detectorists tend to acquire lots of ‘stuff’ and if you’re driving around to different locations to detect new land then it’s easier to keep it all containedin a carry bag to avoid losing anything.
How easy is a metal detector to use?
There are plenty of machines out there on the market and it can often be confusing to know which one is best for any detectorist. The entry-level machines now have simple LCD screens on them with buttons where you can select which ground you are detecting and what kind of metals you want to avoid (as well as various other settings). A stand-out machine for beginners is the Minelab Vanquish range. It’s a great machine which has been designed to simply pick up and go. It features Minelabs Multi-iQ technology which means the machine can work out the best settings for the ground you’re detecting so all the user has to do is turn the machine on, head out and go!If you buy from a reputable detecting shop they will be able to guide you with the best machine for your needs.
How can you find a good location?
First, you need to acquirepermission from whoeverowns the land, whether that’s the council or a private land owner. Look at local history and landmarks to try and work out what may come up from the ground. Local libraries can be helpful for research, as well as the internetin particular Google Earth to find out about historical marks. The best way to find out if you’re on prime land is to just head out anddetect.
Is it worth using them in urban/ suburban areas like London or is it best to head to the countryside?
There is history all over the UK and it’s still being discovered now with lots of hot spots around the UK. Metal detectorists are re-writing the books with our history so it really depends on what you’re hoping to find in terms of the best location.
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If you’re keen to give it a go, or want to go treasure hunting with the kids, we’ve rounded up the best detectors to give the hobby a go.
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