FAQs
FAQs
Q: Given that England and Wales have more liberal metal detecting laws compared to Scotland and Northern Ireland, is the DIF seeking to change this legislation and regulations?
A: No. As a national body representing all stakeholders, the DIF strives to provide up-to-date information on all existing laws and regulations, from The Treasure Act to Countryside Stewardship. Our goal is to benefit detectorists, landowners, and ultimately the public good.
Q: Why does the DIF not advocate for licensing metal detector use?
A: Much detecting occurs in fields, often out of sight of the public and landowners. Through education and training, we promote the importance of historical significance, archaeological values, principles, and best practices. Ultimately, what a detectorist, equipped with conservation knowledge, chooses to do in the British countryside is a personal decision. It is down to their own beliefs and conscience, provided they are acting within the law.
Q: Why is education important for those who engage in metal detecting?
A: Education is not a requirement for metal detecting; it is entirely your choice to participate in our educational programs based on your interest.
Q: Why is the DIF redefining the term ‘detectorist’?
A: The term ‘metal detectorist’ traditionally refers to someone who detects metals. However, a ‘detectorist’ as defined by the DIF, encompasses a broader scope. This includes understanding that the archaeological record—composed of artefacts made from various materials—serves as dating evidence. This helps to define the contextual landscape through the spatial recording of finds.
Q: In practical terms, what differentiates a metal detectorist from a detectorist?
A detectorist, when conditions allow, practises fieldwalking—searching for surface finds of all materials—whilst also metal detecting. This approach recognises the importance of finding dating evidence to define the archaeological value of the land. For instance, recognising and recording a hypocaust flue tile whilst detecting or discovering a potsherd of Samian ware pottery when excavating a metal target is both interesting and important to a detectorist.
Q: Given that some view metal detecting as merely a hobby in randomly searching for casual losses, isn’t it essentially a harmless pastime?
This description of metal detecting as a harmless pastime is outdated and inaccurately reflects the practice’s true nature. A brief internet search will reveal instances where metal detectorists target historic and archaeological sites, removing artefacts without proper recording. Such actions can significantly damage the historic environment. The DIF is committed to raising awareness and promoting the importance of accurately recording our portable heritage.
Q: Are finds in the topsoil and plough horizon contextually irrelevant?
A: Metal detecting and fieldwalking provide valuable evidence of human activity. Even finds in plough soil can help locate and maintain context with the underlying archaeology, assisting in the evaluation and phasing of sites. In promoting the embedding of detecting surveys into professional practice, we note that topsoil is often stripped without being searched by archaeologists on commercial development sites. The DIF advocates for viewing topsoil finds as important in all instances, whether in detecting or commercial archaeology.
Q: Is public liability insurance included with individual membership?
A:
Q. Is this just a money-making scheme?
A: No. The Foundation is Britain’s first national detecting body registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, asset-locked with the Institute as a Not-for-profit Community Interest Company. We have taken steps to ensure that our financial and legal responsibilities align with our charitable values and are enshrined in law. By establishing an Institute and Foundation, we aim for this organisation to be here 100 years from now as an important beacon for heritage conservation.
