Farmers, Metal Detectorists & Treasure Hoards
There’s Gold In Those Fields
If you think about the long history of humans (approximately 300,000 years!) then it will be no surprise that the earth we walk on is a literal time machine of building footings, discarded items, lost coins, bones from an old chicken dinner, and best of all — treasure hoards.
Much of these findings are discovered by archaeologists working to research data, some are found when erecting new buildings or roads, and some are even found on river foreshores by mudlarks. But many are found by amateur metal detectorists indulging their hobby.
People can metal detect almost anywhere, like beaches for example, but one of the most popular places to detect is on farmland.
But this can sometimes lead to problems because the detectorist may not gain permission from the farmer and not understand if they are disturbing any potential crops or leaving the land in a dangerous state for animals. Also, the landowner is well within their right to say no anyway.
On the whole, metal detectorists are a respectful tribe who get permission from the land owner before beginning…
