Diversify Your Farm Income: The Complete Guide to Hosting Metal Detecting Events

Are you a landowner who might be interested in unlocking a new revenue stream while preserving your land and local heritage?

You already know that your land is a valuable asset, it is of course the source of your income. Each acre has to pay for itself, but in addition to traditional farming income there is the possibility of making a little extra from what might be hidden or lost below the surface of your land. Your land has been in use for many centuries before you walked across it. Iron Age people might have lived on it, Bronze Age families might have worshipped on it. 2000 years ago a Roman family might have farmed it, 1000 years ago a medieval fair might have taken place on it, 500 years ago an English Civil War skirmish might have taken place on it. All of these events and many more in between will have led to individual losses on it. You might have lost some keys, a screwdriver or a pound coin on it, imagine what else has been lost on it in the last 300 centuries? Would you like to know? Hosting a metal detecting event on your land, or just allowing a few people to detect on it might just reveal the hidden past of your land.

If after reading this you want to explore this idea further, we act as brokers who will find a metal detecting group or club or select few who will respect your precious land, and pay you for the opportunity to spend a day or two metal detecting on it, and, of course, at no cost to you. If you don’t want a large group of people on your land then we can arrange for just a couple of people to detect on it on a regular basis, paying you a daily rate to do so.

It doesn’t matter how much land you have, it could be 20 acres or 20,000 acres. It doesn’t matter whether you think there is something to be found or not. It doesn’t matter if someone has detected on it before. If you have some land and want to make an income for a day or two’s detecting on it, just let us know and we will do the rest.

Introduction: A Golden Opportunity for UK Farmers and Landowners

In today’s challenging agricultural landscape, diversifying farm income is more crucial than ever. As a UK farmer or landowner, you are constantly seeking innovative ways to make your land work harder for you. Have you considered the untapped potential of metal detecting events?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hosting metal detecting events on your land, from understanding the basics to maximising your profits while protecting your property and local heritage.

Understanding Metal Detecting Events: A Primer for Landowners

What Are Metal Detecting Events?

Metal detecting events, often called “dig days,” are organised gatherings where hobbyist detectorists search for historical artifacts and treasures on private land. These events have gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a unique blend of history, outdoor activity, and potential for discovery.

Why Are These Events Growing in Popularity?

• Rising interest in local history and archaeology
• Popularisation through TV shows like “The Detectorists”
• Technological advancements in metal detecting equipment
• Social aspect of group detecting events
• Growth in social media interest and following of metal detecting
• Increase in number of groups arranging these events

Types of Metal Detecting Events

The Benefits of Hosting Metal Detecting Events for Farmers and Landowners

1. Additional Income Stream

Hosting metal detecting events can provide a significant boost to your farm’s income, especially during off-peak agricultural seasons.

Potential Earnings

While rates vary, landowners can typically earn £500 – £1000 per day for a medium-sized event, depending on factors like location, historical significance, and event size. Larger events can easily double this, and more.

2. Minimal Impact on Agricultural Operations

Unlike many other diversification strategies, metal detecting events can be scheduled around your farming calendar, causing minimal disruption to your primary agricultural activities.

3. Land Improvement Opportunities

Detectorists often remove modern metallic rubbish from fields, which can be beneficial for your farm equipment and livestock.

4. Historical and Archaeological Insights

Discoveries made during these events can provide fascinating insights into your land’s history, potentially increasing its value and appeal.

5. Community Engagement

Hosting these events can foster positive relationships with local history enthusiasts and the wider community.

6. Potential for Media Coverage

Significant finds can lead to media attention, potentially raising the profile of your farm or estate.

Legal Considerations and Best Practices

Understanding the Legal Framework

Before hosting a metal detecting event, it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape:

• Treasure Act 1996: Defines what constitutes “treasure” and the reporting requirements.
• Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS): Voluntary programme for recording archaeological objects found by the public.
• Scheduled Monuments: It’s illegal to metal detect on these without special permission.

Best Practices for Responsible Detecting

1. Always use written agreements with detecting groups or event organisers.
2. Ensure all participants follow the NCMD Code of Conduct.
3. Agree on how any finds will be handled and recorded before the event.
4. Consider having a professional archaeologist present for larger events.
5. Clearly define which areas of your land are open for detecting.

Insurance Tip

While most metal detecting clubs have their own insurance, it’s wise to check with your farm insurance provider about coverage for these events.

How to Get Started: Steps for Hosting Your First Event

1. Assess Your Land: Consider the historical significance and suitability of your property.
2. Research Local Clubs: Reach out to reputable metal detecting clubs in your area.
3. Set Clear Terms: Decide on fees, event duration, and any restrictions.
4. Prepare Your Land: Ensure fields are accessible and safe for detecting.
5. Promote the Event: Work with clubs or a broker to attract participants.
6. Host the Event: Be present or have a representative on-site during the detect.
7. Follow-Up: Review finds, collect feedback, and plan for future events.

Or let us do all this for you, at no cost to you and not taking up your valuable time either!

Maximising Your Returns: Advanced Strategies

1. Tiered Pricing Structure

Consider offering different price points based on the historical potential of different areas of your land.

2. Accommodation Packages

If you have suitable facilities, offer camping or B&B options for multi-day events.

3. Seasonal Planning

Schedule events during agricultural downtime to maximise land usage.

4. Local Partnerships

Collaborate with local museums or historical societies to add value to your events.

5. Recurring Agreements

Establish long-term partnerships with reliable clubs for a steady income stream.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will Metal Detecting Damage My Land?

When conducted responsibly, metal detecting causes minimal land disturbance. Holes are typically small and immediately refilled.

What About Crop Damage?

Events can be scheduled post-harvest or on fallow fields to minimise any impact on crops.

How Do I Handle Valuable Finds?

The Treasure Act provides clear guidelines. Most clubs have procedures for handling and reporting significant discoveries.

Will This Affect My Farm Subsidies?

Hosting occasional metal detecting events typically doesn’t impact agricultural subsidies, but it’s always best to check with your local DEFRA office.

Case Studies: Success Stories from UK Farms

Case Study 1: The Yorkshire Farm That Unearthed Roman History

John and Helen Burdett’s dairy farm in North Yorkshire hosted a weekend rally that led to the discovery of a significant Roman coin hoard. The event not only provided a substantial income boost but also led to an ongoing archaeological study on their land.

Case Study 2: Diversification Success in the Cotswolds

The Thompsons, facing challenges in their traditional sheep farming, turned to regular metal detecting events as a form of diversification. They now host monthly club outings, providing a steady additional income stream that has helped sustain their farm through difficult times.

The Role of Professional Brokerage Services

While many landowners choose to organise events directly with clubs, using a professional brokerage service can offer several advantages:

• Access to a wider network of reputable detecting clubs
• Expertise in event planning and pricing strategies
• We work for you and not the club or group
• Our fees are paid for by the club or group and not by you
• Marketing and promotion of your events
• Mediation and problem-solving if issues arise

Our brokerage service specialises in connecting UK landowners with trusted metal detecting groups, ensuring smooth, profitable, and responsible events.

Ready to Explore This Opportunity?

We act as a broker or agent between you and metal detecting clubs and groups. We get you the best possible price for detecting on your land at no extra cost to you and place your land opportunity with the metal detecting group who are best placed to benefit from it, and of course, who will pay you for allowing a metal detecting dig day on your land. We have access to a wide range of clubs and metal detecting groups throughout the UK ensuring that you get the best deal for access to your land. There is no obligation on your part to proceed, this is just an exploratory process at this point.

Hosting metal detecting events offers a unique way to diversify your farm income while contributing to the preservation and discovery of local heritage. Whether you’re ready to host your first event or just curious to learn more, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today if you want to explore this way to earn from your land for just a day or two’s access to it.

Send us a quick email and we will be back in touch very soon nick@swingbeepdigrepeat.com