CBA leads an initiative to publish guidance on metal detecting rallies

Submitted by Dan Hull on Mon, 2009-01-19 12:49
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A Guidance Note on metal detecting rallies has been agreed which makes important recommendations designed to limit the impact on the archaeological record.

The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO), the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), English Heritage (EH), the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), and the Society of Museum Archaeologists (SMA) agreed the Note this month, which supplements the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-detecting in England and Wales by providing specific guidelines for rallies and large-scale events.

The Guidance Note is also supported by the two largest commercial rally organisers, who have promised to run their rallies in line with the Guidance Note in the future. The CBA is encouraging Natural England to send this Guidance Note to all landowners entering into Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements, in order to promote good practice when rallies take place.

The guidance makes 16 recommendations, including a notice period of at least 12 weeks for the local Historic Environment Record (HER) and Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) so that any known archaeological sites can be identified and proper preparations made for the recording of finds. Rally organisers are also encouraged to provide participants with information about relevant legislation, how to record finds, and useful contact details. Organisers should remind all participants of the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales. The boundary between the rally area and any known Scheduled Monuments or Sites of Special Scientific Interest should be clearly marked, preferably with a buffer zone of 20 metres. The guidance also reminds detectorists of the role of FLOs, the importance of accurate recording, and their legal obligations regarding the Treasure Act and Export Licences.

The full text of the Guidance on Metal-detecting Rallies in England and Wales can be found via our Portable Antiquities pages here.