Metal Detecting: How to Get Permissions and Keep Them
Knock Doors
The biggest tip I can give anyone straight off the bat is to knock doors. It is very unlikely that you will get a permission by emailing, sending letters, etc. Farmers and landowners need face-to-face interaction to build up trust. Look the part—you don't need to wear a suit and tie, just don't look like a slob! Some people can be very judgmental, and you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
There will be some of us who are very nervous or maybe suffer with social anxiety. Please do not let that stop you—simply use it as your strength and bring it straight into your introduction! For example: "Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I suffer with social anxiety, so apologies if I come across nervous! Would it be possible to metal detect on your land?" This way you’ve cleared the decks, and it might even work in your favour.
However, be prepared for "no"s—and lots of them. Sometimes farmers already have people on their land, and sometimes they just don't want anyone on it, and that's fine. It's their land at the end of the day. You have to mentally prepare yourself for lots of "no thank you"s or maybe even the odd rude comment, but be patient and persistent and the land will come.
Boundaries
Don't overwhelm the landowner immediately. There is a lot to get agreed on, but it doesn't all have to be sorted until you start swinging. Here are some key things you definitely want to cover:
Insurance: Let them know you're insured. I highly recommend joining the NCMD—you can check them out here: Welcome to the NCMD - National Council for Metal Detecting. This lets the landowner know you are covered in the very rare case it's needed.
Parking: Establish where to park. You do not want to be blocking anything off.
Finds & Contracts: Agree on what happens if anything substantial is found (verbal or a signed contract). I normally try to agree on a 50/50 split on items over £1,000 in value. However, anything that falls under the Treasure Act or is of historical importance will need to be reported to your local FLO (Finds Liaison Officer) so it can be recorded on the PAS (Portable Antiquities Scheme). If in doubt, report it to your FLO—you can read full details on how to Report treasure - GOV.UK. There is also a pre-written search agreement contract on the NCMD website for members.
Gates: Keep all gates closed! You will lose permission very quickly if a gate is left open.
Fill All Holes: My motto is: try to leave it so no one even knows you've been there. I learned a lesson early on to stay away from some land during dry spells or extreme rain. Dry spells kill off the grass so it looks like a bomb site, and extreme rain makes the clods rise up, making it look like we haven't filled the holes back in.
Plus Ones: Do not assume you can bring a friend. Always seek permission for any extra individual.
Rubbish: Take every single piece of scrap and rubbish you dig back home with you.
What works for me
If I am driving home from work, sometimes I might just swing into a farm and ask—I've actually had a few "yes"es with this random method! On a planned day, I get on Google Maps and plan a circular route. I save links to buildings that look like farms and tick them off one by one.
Sometimes, if I have my kids with me, they come along too. This can really disarm a landowner—we are all human after all! (And if they say no, I tell my kids to cry until they say yes... this is a joke, obviously. Or is it? LOL!)
If you do any work or detecting for charity, make sure to mention that. Anything you think might help, just ask. If they say they already have someone else on their land, before they say no, ask if they'd be happy for you to have a go as well if that person ever moves on or isn't active.
How to Keep Permissions
I like to share our finds with the landowner, even if they aren't valuable. It builds up trust and shows them how much we love history—which is what it's really all about. I also send out the odd thank-you letter and Christmas cards, too!
Most importantly for keeping a farm: follow the boundary points, build a good relationship, and don't get salty if they eventually decide they don't want you on the land anymore.
Really appreciate you reading my blog, and good luck with your quest!
Click here to watch our Podcast about how to get and keep permissions.
Click here to Subscribe and never miss a BLOG or PODCAST.
Click here to watch the hunt live most evenings from 8PM GMT.
Click here for all metal detecting needs.