Do you need a license to metal detect in the 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.

Do you need a permit to do metal detecting?

All the foreshore in the UK has an owner. Metal detecting, searching or digging is not a public right and as such it needs the permission of the landowner. The PLA and the Crown Estate are the largest land owners of Thames foreshore and jointly administer a permit which allows searching or digging.

Can I metal detect in Woods 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”.

How do I get a metal detector permit UK?

You will need to bring with you:

  1. The licence fee (cash or cheque)
  2. Proof of identity. A passport / driving licence is ideal but a recent utility bill is also fine.
  3. Proof of third party public liability insurance that covers metal detecting activity.
  4. Your metal detecting organisation membership details (if you are a member)

Can you metal detect in rivers 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.

Can you metal detect in cemeteries?

– Cemeteries. Regardless of the law never metal detect inside of any cemetery boundary.

Is metal detecting legal?

You can literally legally detect anywhere if you have permission. Federal and state lands are usually a no-no unless you can get permission. Beaches are usually a safe place for metal detecting, but regulations may restrict you from certain parts of the beach or from going in the water.

Can you get rich metal detecting?

Most people don’t expect to get rich with their detector. You might not want to rush out and quit your day job, but you can most certainly make some money with a metal detector if you do your research and locate good areas to hunt. About $75 worth of small gold nuggets found with a Makro Gold Racer metal detector.

Can I metal detect in a river?

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.

Do you need a licence to use a metal detector?

No licence is needed for metal detecting, metal detecting used to require a licence from the Home Office, but this was abolished in 1980, you might still need a metal detector permit for some beaches, the Crown Estates website has an application form for any beaches where a permit is required. Can you make a living with a metal detector?

Where can I metal detect in the UK?

You can also get a license easily from the website of the British Crown Estate. If you have a permit for metal detecting in the UK, then you can detect anywhere you want without running into trouble with the law. Detecting at the many beaches in the UK can turn up some valuable finds.

Can you use a metal detector in a park?

Metal Detecting activities are restricted to open areas (other than the areas listed in Paragraph 8 of the Permit Conditions) in designated parks. To apply for a permit and to see which parks are designated for metal detecting activities, please download the Metal Detector Permit Application. Download the Metal Detector Permit Application (PDF)

What are the rules for metal detecting in Australia?

When metal detecting or fossicking in Australia, regardless of where you go, you should follow a code of conduct. We live in a beautiful country and need to take care of it. Some basic rules should be followed, including: As with other sports and hobbies, there is a code of conduct you must adhere to when metal detecting.