From Knock to Nod: A Complete Guide on How To Gain Permission for Metal Detecting on Farmland in the UK

There’s no doubt about it, one of the biggest hurdles we face as metal detectorists is getting permission to detect somewhere. I know I’ve felt that knot in my stomach at the thought of knocking on a farmer’s door and asking. Sometimes, I’ve almost given up before trying, just assuming that everywhere is ‘taken’. After all, metal detecting has been going on for decades now – surely there’s no land left undetected? Then, of course, we now have all of these commercial groups grabbing huge swathes of the countryside, offering big cash rewards to farmers. So, can we still get permission?

Well, I’m here to tell you that yes, you absolutely can. It might not be as easy as it once was, but with the right approach, a bit of perseverance, and a dash of luck, you can still find yourself some cracking land to detect on. Let me take you through my experiences and share some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Starting Out:

I remember when I first started metal detecting. I was so excited about the prospect of unearthing history, but I had no idea where to begin when it came to finding a place to detect. I’d drive past fields, eyeing them up, imagining all the treasures that might be hiding beneath the surface. But how on earth was I supposed to get permission to detect there?

My first attempt was, well, let’s just say it was less than successful. I spotted a farmer working in his field, pulled over, and practically tumbled out of my car in my eagerness to ask permission. I must have looked a right sight, stumbling over my words, detector in hand, probably looking more like a lost alien than a potential asset to his land. Needless to say, I got a firm but polite ‘no’.

But you know what? That ‘no’ was actually the best thing that could have happened to me. It made me step back and think about how I was approaching this whole permission-seeking business. I realized I needed a plan, a strategy, if you will.

Doing Your Homework:

The first thing I learned was the importance of doing your homework. Before you even think about approaching a farmer, you need to know a bit about the land you’re interested in. Is it arable land or pasture? What’s its history? Are there any scheduled monuments or sites of special scientific interest nearby?

I found that local libraries and historical societies were absolute goldmines of information. I’d spend hours poring over old maps, reading local history books, and chatting with the librarians who often knew more about the area’s history than anyone else. Of course these days there is so much information available online that much of your research can be done from the comfort of your own home, at any time of the day or night.

This research serves two purposes. Firstly, it helps you identify potentially interesting sites. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it gives you something to talk about when you do approach the landowner. Farmers are often interested in the history of their land, and showing that you’ve done your research can go a long way in demonstrating that you’re serious and respectful.

Preparation is Key:

Once I’d done my research, I realized I needed to be better prepared for when I actually met a farmer. I put together a little ‘permission pack’. This included:

1. A clear, recent photo of myself
2. My contact details
3. Details of my insurance (this is crucial – some farmers won’t even consider giving permission without it)
4. Information about my metal detecting club (joining a club can add credibility)
5. A simple contract outlining the terms of detecting on their land

I also made sure I had a good understanding of the laws surrounding metal detecting in the UK, particularly the Treasure Act 1996. Being able to explain this clearly to a landowner can help alleviate any concerns they might have.

Making Contact:

Now, here’s where many detectorists, myself included, often stumble. How do you actually make contact with the farmer? Well, I’ve found a few methods that work:

1. The Direct Approach: This involves simply knocking on the farmhouse door. It can be nerve-wracking, but it’s often the most straightforward method.
2. Letter Writing or Email: If you’re not comfortable with face-to-face interactions right off the bat, writing a polite letter or email introducing yourself and your hobby can be a good first step.
3. Local Events: Attending agricultural shows or farmers’ markets can be a great way to meet local farmers in a relaxed setting.
4. Networking: Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. Let friends and family know you’re looking for permissions. You’d be surprised how often someone knows someone who owns some land.

Whichever method you choose, remember that first impressions count. Dress neatly, be polite, and above all, be prepared to take ‘no’ for an answer graciously.

The All-Important Meeting:

So, you’ve done your research, you’re prepared, and you’ve managed to arrange a meeting with a farmer. What now? Well, this is your chance to shine. Here’s what I’ve found works well:

1. Be on time. Farmers are busy people, and punctuality shows respect for their time.
2. Dress appropriately. You don’t need a suit and tie, but clean, tidy clothes are a must.
3. Be clear about what you’re asking for. Explain exactly what metal detecting involves and how you’ll go about it.
4. Show your knowledge of the area’s history. This is where your research comes in handy.
5. Be prepared to answer questions. Common ones include “What happens if you find something valuable?” and “Will you damage my crops?”
6. Offer something in return. This could be a share of any finds, helping to maintain the land, or even offering your detecting services if they lose something in a field.
7. Have your permission pack ready to hand over.

Remember, you’re essentially asking to become a guest on their land. Show that you understand and respect this.

Dealing with Rejection:

Now, let’s be honest. You’re going to face rejection. A lot of rejection. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been turned down. But here’s the thing – it’s not personal. There are many reasons why a farmer might say no, from bad experiences with detectorists in the past to concerns about damage to crops.

The key is to remain polite and understanding. Thank them for their time, leave your contact details in case they change their mind, and move on. Who knows, they might reconsider in the future, especially if they hear good things about you from other local farmers.

Building and Maintaining Relationships:

So, you’ve finally got permission. Fantastic! But your work isn’t done. Building and maintaining a good relationship with the landowner is crucial. Here’s what I do:

1. Always stick to any agreed terms. If you said you’d only detect in certain fields, don’t be tempted to stray.
2. Keep the farmer informed. Let them know when you’ll be detecting and what you’ve found.
3. Share your finds. Even if you haven’t found anything valuable, farmers are often interested in the history of their land.
4. Be helpful. Offer to report any issues you notice, like broken fences or fly-tipping.
5. Show your appreciation. A Christmas card or a bottle of something nice can go a long way.
6. As you go about detecting keep an eye for neighbouring farmers, give them a wave or stop for a chat. Most of my new permissions come from neighbouring farms who have seen me out and about.

Dealing with Commercial Detecting Companies:

Now, let’s address the elephant in the field – commercial detecting companies. These groups offer farmers significant sums of money for exclusive detecting rights, which can make it harder for individual detectorists to get permissions.

However, all is not lost. Many farmers are wary of these companies, preferring to deal with local individuals they can get to know and trust. Also, some of these companies only detect for a short period, leaving opportunities for ongoing permissions afterwards.

My approach has been to be upfront about these companies when talking to farmers. I explain the pros and cons from the farmer’s perspective and emphasize the benefits of working with a local detectorist who has a genuine interest in the area’s history.

Conclusion:

Getting permission for metal detecting can seem daunting, but it’s far from impossible. With research, preparation, and a respectful approach, you can still find fantastic detecting opportunities.

Remember, every ‘no’ gets you closer to a ‘yes’. It’s all part of the detecting adventure. And when you do get that ‘yes’, when you’re out in a field on a crisp morning, your detector swinging, knowing you’ve earned the right to be there – well, there’s no feeling quite like it.

So don’t give up. Get out there, do your homework, and start knocking on those doors. Who knows what history is waiting for you to uncover?