In this section of my beginners guide to metal detecting, I will explain the treasure act as defined in 1996. Garrett Ace 150 metal detector with batteries and instructions. The Garrett Ace 150 metal detector is easy to use and offers high-performance handling without any complex settings or adjustments. The Ace 150 detector also features great depth and accurate target ID discrimination. You can search in all metal, jewellery or coins mode for ease of use. The Ace 150 machine comes with a PROformance Rhino coil 6.5" x 9". Great value for money machine for beginners. With the Garrett Ace 150 metal detector, you can use any one of the interchangeable coils, including the 2D 8.5" x 11" coil, 9" x 12" PROformance coil and the 4.5" Sniper coil, to get the most from your Ace detector. The Portable Antiquities scheme is not a legal requirement however it actively encourages use and highly recommends recording your finds. They primarily focus on metal detectorists who make discoveries regularly through their hobby that would otherwise go unrecorded. Other members of the public can report any objects they may have found and that also includes non-metallic objects. The PAS exists to record non-prehistoric and non-metal finds. The shape of the land can be an indication of ancient farming methods, with land undulating which is caused by years and years of linear plowing it can cause a ridge and furrow effect.

To start with you will be getting to know your metal detector and like with any new hobby or activity it’s about learning. Insurance is usually required for rallies but comes inclusive with the FID or NCMD memberships. You should also consider insurance for your equipment. We will elaborate further on Metal detecting insurance in a later post. A little tip I have learnt is to always offer a service in return when asking them for permission to detect these places, for example you might offer to clean up litter along the way.These places can be very misleading due to the word “public” and before we go into this you need to know that this does not mean you have any rights to metal detecting them.

Having a public liability insurance helps to give the land owners peace of mind when you are asking for permission to detect on their land. I hope I have given you a few ideas now, and some information on how to get permission to detect land. Buying the best metal detector is the first step in this hobby. The next thing that you have to do is the research part, where it’s going to be a good spot to hunt for some treasure. That’s not going to be that simple and it usually helps if you can find some olds maps or if you have some history books which have indications of older places or towns. This will improve your chances of finding something old like a small treasure and you want all the ods to be on your side. Under the English Laws, landowners have the sole title and ownership to any archaeological artifacts found on their land or property. It is good practice to make an agreement, preferably a written contract with the landowners or tenants before you metal detect on their land. This agrees that you will share any monetary proceeds from sales of the treasure. It is always advisable to have your finds professionally cleaned especially finds of importance and coins.Very weak acid solution (lemon juice) around 5% will be safe. Again Dip the toothbrush into the solution and very very very gently work your way around the button. Watch carefully to ensure you are not taking of the gilding, plating or damaging the button. To summarise I would strongly recommend if you care about your find, and do not want to risk causing any damage or devaluing, you talk to a professional before using any of these methods.

HANDLING AND CARE: We strongly recommend that you learn about the handling, care and storage of any historical or archaeological finds while you are out metal detecting. You can learn more at http://finds.org.uk/

If you have found a public footpath you think could be a good place to metal detect then you will need to find the land owner to ask for permission. The map documented the names of anyone living there and the owners. It also documented what the land was used for. Tithe maps are a good place to do research of land. Do not worry though it does not take long to learn, and after a few outings you will find you are hitting good targets and less junk. And the best thing you can do is that you can start from today. You can just start with your own town, find the history and start looking where houses have been. What happened there is crucial, if it was a highly traded route then you know you’re going for a good hunt. TREASURE CODE: You should always abide by the provisions of the treasure act and treasure act code of practice. If you are unsure your local finds liaison officer will be able to assist you.