Can I metal detect river banks in the UK? (2024)

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Can you metal detect on river banks UK?

Metal detecting on the River Thames foreshore requires a separate permit from the Port of London Authority. Finds above the low water mark are generally the property of the landowner, unless classified as Treasure.

(Video) Metal Detecting UK, Searching for gold and silver on the river bank!
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Can you use a metal detector in rivers?

Metal Detecting in a River for Gold and Silver:

Look for areas along the river where there are outcroppings of gold-bearing quartz rock, or known silver deposits. Search just below and somewhat down-stream of such rocks. Detect in the sand dunes at bends in the river.

(Video) River bank Metal Detecting UK 2017 - 180 felixstowe hunter 🇬🇧 hunt #17
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Can you metal detect in UK parks?

It is not illegal to metal detect if you have landowner permission – it is however essential that you do so responsibly. However, it is illegal to metal detect on land covered by legal protections, such as Scheduled Monuments and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and doing so is a criminal offence.

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Can you metal detect UK beaches?

Guide Beach safety and information

Metal detecting is allowed at any time for individuals. Don't forget to check the tides first. You should hold appropriate public liability insurance, report any significant finds to us and leave the beach as you found it (re-instating any holes).

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Do I need a licence for metal detecting UK?

You don't need a licence to use a metal detector in the UK, but there are laws about their use. Using a metal detector is illegal on: private land, without permission from the owner. a Scheduled Monument.

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Where is the best place to metal detect in UK?

There is no wonder why the farmers field is probably the most popular place to go metal detecting in the UK. Most of the great finds, and hoards have been found here.

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Can you find gold in a river with a metal detector?

There is still good gold in the rivers, but sometimes the smaller drainages that feed into the rivers were ignored. Explore them with a metal detector and you might just find some hidden deposits.

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Can I metal detect in water?

Yes – Metal Detectors CAN Be Used In Water!

Most metal detectors aren't completely waterproof, but submersible metal detectors can work very well underwater. It's important before purchasing a waterproof metal detector that you fully understand where and how you will be using your new treasure hunting device.

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Will a metal detector find gold in a creek?

One of the most common places to find gold is creeks. There are many ways to look for gold. One of them is to use a metal detector.

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Can you metal detect around lakes?

Don't forget your metal detector!

Many hobbyists say you'll find MORE treasure along freshwater beaches than the ocean. They say you'll get more good finds in one day here than any popular ocean beach!

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Can you metal detect on public ground?

If you wish to metal-detect on land which is not your own, you must get permission from the landowner before you do so. If you metal-detect on land without consent, you may be charged with a criminal offence and you could be sued for damages.

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Where can I use a metal detector without permission UK?

By the way, in the UK don't need a licence to use a metal detector, but there are laws about their use. Using a metal detector is illegal on private land without permission from the owner. It is also illegal on a scheduled ancient monument or in an area of archaeological importance.

Can I metal detect river banks in the UK? (2024)
Can you keep metal detector finds UK?

Under UK law, there is no such thing as “finders keepers” and you always need a landowner's permission, both to detect and to keep anything that you may find. Detecting on public land and on legally protected areas (like ancient monuments) is also strictly prohibited.

Where is the best part of a beach to metal detect?

The sweet spot of a beach is the area between the high tide mark and the low tide mark of a beach. To metal detect this area properly you should work about 10' off centre on both sides of the centre mark. While metal detecting work in a zigzag pattern to cover as much area as possible.

What is the best part of the beach to metal detect?

The wet sand area is the area between the low tide and high tide water lines. It may be a large area at low tide or a small area at high tide, depending on the tides. Typically this area produces some of the best treasures.

What happens if you find treasure UK?

You must report treasure to the local coroner within 14 days of finding it. The Portable Antiquities Scheme can help you report treasure and archaeological finds.

Can you use a metal detector on the Thames?

Searching is not allowed east of the Thames Barrier – permits are only valid for certain locations west of the Thames Barrier up to Teddington. All areas of foreshore in the UK have an owner. Metal detecting, searching or digging is not a public right – you need permission from the landowner.

Is treasure hunting legal in UK?

Anyone intending to search for treasure, whether with a metal detector or not, must get the permission from the landowner before they step foot on the land. Land (including paths, public open spaces, beaches and foreshores) always belongs to someone.

Is there any hidden treasure in the UK?

From valuable ancient silverware to the biggest Anglo-Saxon coin hoard ever found in England, items of treasure have long been discovered in the Norfolk landscape. And now figures have backed up the county's status as a 'hidden goldmine hotspot'.

Is there any lost gold in the UK?

A Cornish catastrophe

On board, it held a trove of gold and silver worth more than ÂŁ1.1 billion in today's money. Although the vessel's treasure has never been found, Cornish fishermen were surprised by the size of their catch in 2019 when they pulled up a giant anchor thought to match that of the legendary lost ship.

Is there gold buried in the UK?

Gold can be found in all four countries of the UK, and below are just some of the more common areas panning takes place. England –Lake District, the Pennines, the Forest of Dean and Cornwall. Scotland – Dumfries and Galloway (the origins of the Douglas Nugget as mentioned above).

What are the chances of finding gold in a river?

Concentrations of gold suspended in water are so slight that they are measured in parts per billion. In natural fresh water, concentrations range from 0.001 to 0.005 parts per billion, while water that flows over mineral beds or deposits can reach concentrations of 0.010 to 2.8 parts per billion.

Are gold nuggets found in rivers?

Yes, sometimes you will find gold in areas that are unexpected, but generally speaking you will locate river gold in predictable deposit locations. And this is good news! Yes, big gold nuggets like this are indeed very rare. But finding small bits of gold within river gravels actually isn't all that difficult to do!

Do metal detectors work in shallow water?

Shallow water metal detecting may be one of the most exciting ways to hunt. You are more likely to find valuable targets – like gold rings, coins, and other jewelry – than in most other locations.

Can you find a water line with a metal detector?

For example, using a pipe locator metal detector you can easily pinpoint leaking underground pipes quickly. You might also find the need to locate underground pipes and cables during a new construction project.

Does rain help metal detecting?

Most opinions out there, based on actual metal detecting experience, say that you can generally get better performance and even detect deeper targets when the ground is wet.

Can you find gold in any stream or river?

Gold is found where water flow is altered by obstacles such as boulders and logs or by watercourse contours, such as bends in river. Gold can also be found where two rivers or streams come together. It is what's called a "confluence zone." Gold will tend to build up as a pay streak in these areas.

Do metal detectors detect diamonds?

This leads to an important point: metal detectors will not detect non metal items such as gemstones, diamonds and pearls. What a metal detector can do is lead you to indicator minerals, which are used by prospectors.

What are the odds of finding gold with a metal detector?

Metal detecting beats archaeology

92.7% of treasure was uncovered using a metal detector, compared to a mere 3.4% from archeological digs. Whatever you do, don't leave it to chance though - only 1.7% of finds were stumbled upon by chance.

Where is the best place to metal detect for coins?

Search around front porches, back door steps, walkways and driveways. Scan floors, baseboards and floor coverings carefully for lost coins. Very valuable old coins are often found between the baseboards and the floor. Interestingly, people used to hide coins behind boards in the wall and inside hollow doors.

What Cannot be detected by a metal detector?

Metal detectors have a tough time detecting metals like stainless steel, which have very poor electrical conductivity. Stainless steel has low magnetic permeability, which means it does not produce a signal strong enough to be detected. Other items that metal detectors won't be able to locate include: Gemstones.

Can you metal detect on wet sand?

Since the salt concentrations are higher in wet sand than in dry sand, only VLF metal detectors with Automatic Ground Balance and Tracking options (for ignoring salt water and magnetic sand simultaneously) will perform well.

How far down does a metal detector detect when you walk through?

In ideal conditions, a mid-range metal detector can reach 12-18Ęş (30-45 cm) underground. Some specialized detectors can go as deep as 65' (20 m). The specific depth depends on the type of detector you're using, and the sort of object you're trying to detect. And other factors, like the minerals in the soil.

Can I keep what I find metal detecting?

Before you go metal-detecting

Any finds discovered will normally be the property of the landowner, so to avoid disputes it is advisable to get permission and agreement in writing first regarding the ownership of any finds subsequently discovered.

Will a metal detector find metal in concrete?

Metal detectors are useful products to be used as tools as a rebar detector in concrete for locating rebar as well as finding wires, pipes, etc., buried under the surface with confidence.

Do you need a Licence to use a metal detector on the beach UK?

Metal detecting is permitted on Council owned beaches. There is a list of these below. You do not need a permit to do this.

How do I get a metal detector permit UK?

Metal detecting on our land requires a site licence.
...
You will need to bring with you:
  1. The licence fee (cash or cheque)
  2. Proof of identity. ...
  3. Proof of third party public liability insurance that covers metal detecting activity.

Where can I find old places to metal detect?

Top 50 Spots for Metal Detecting Near Me List:
  1. Amusement Parks. ...
  2. Local Schools. ...
  3. Old houses. ...
  4. Local Public beaches and swimming spots. ...
  5. Churches. ...
  6. Sports and athletic fields. ...
  7. Old Fairgrounds. ...
  8. Abandoned home sites and foundations.

What happens if you find buried treasure?

The finder's rights depend on how the found property is categorized. If the found property is lost, abandoned, or treasure trove, the person who found it gets to keep it unless the original owner claims it (so actually, unless the original owner claims it, the rule is “finders keepers”).

How many people metal detect in the UK?

The Covid Pandemic and Metal Detecting
MonthNumber of Searches for "Metal Detectors" in Google UK
Dec-1949500
Jan-2040500
Feb-2033100
Mar-2033100
26 more rows
13 Feb 2020

Who owns archaeological finds UK?

The Antiquities Act of 1975 states that anything found must be reported to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage within 28 days. Then the ministry decides what to do with it. If the item was found before 1976, then it belongs to whoever found it.

Can I metal detect in rivers UK?

You must obtain permission from the landowner before using a metal detector. This includes land to which the public have rights of access such as beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land. Under UK law there is no such thing as “finders keepers”.

Is it better to metal detect at high tide or low tide?

Generally the best metal detecting takes place at the 24 hour period lowest tide.

Do you need a permit for beach metal detecting?

Do you need a license to use a metal detector? No, the Home Office scrapped licenses in 1980. However it is now required on some beaches that a permit be obtained.

Do metal detectors work in salt water?

A waterproof metal detector is the most important piece of equipment you'll need for beach metal detecting. You want a detector that can withstand elements, including saltwater and dry sand. Look for a metal detector that is specifically designed for use in saltwater environments.

Can metal detectors find rocks?

A hot rock can loosely be defined as: any rock or stone not containing a valuable mineral (gold, silver, or copper) which generates an audible signal response on a metal detector.

Can I metal detect on foreshore?

You must obtain permission from the landowner and tenant (both should be consulted) before using a metal detector anywhere. This includes land which is publicly accessible, such as beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land. The Crown Estate owns much of the coastal foreshore and issues permits for metal detecting.

Can you use a metal detector in shallow water?

Shallow water metal detecting may be one of the most exciting ways to hunt. You are more likely to find valuable targets – like gold rings, coins, and other jewelry – than in most other locations.

Can a metal detector detect a water bottle?

Beverages – Water bottles and other beverages are a big no-no when going through a metal detector test. Metal detectors produce inaccurate results should it detect water bottles or beverages on the scanned person. It's better if you keep all these in your bag.

What is the deepest a metal detector can detect metal?

Most metal detectors can detect objects about 4-8Ęş (10 - 20 cm) deep. In ideal conditions, a mid-range metal detector can reach 12-18Ęş (30-45 cm) underground. Some specialized detectors can go as deep as 65' (20 m).

Are creeks good for metal detecting?

Metal Detecting in creeks is certainly worth it. It opens up a world you don't experience on drier land. You'll find different and quite interesting artifacts including round musket balls, coins, knives, fishing gear, nautical items, gold, and more. One of the reasons creeks produce such interesting finds is history.

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