Darren Wiles, a metal detectorist from Bournemouth who runs a free lost item recovery service, recently recovered his 500th lost item: an engagement ring belonging to Abi Colborne. After Colborne accidentally threw the ring into a bush during an argument, Wiles stood on a wheelie bin and used his detector to locate the ring resting right at the top of the hedge. Wiles offers his detectorist services for free but accepts optional donations for Meredith's Mission, a local children's cancer charity, which has raised over £1,100 through his efforts.
Those four are for England and Wales, where the Portable Antiquities Scheme records finds and the Treasure Act decides what must be reported.
Scotland runs its own system, and every find is reportable there — not only treasure. Treasure Trove Unit ›
The Republic of Ireland is different again, and severely so. Searching for archaeological objects without the Minister’s written consent is a criminal offence carrying fines or imprisonment, and the definition is broad enough to cover coins, buttons and buckles of almost any age. Do not assume British rules travel with you. The law, from the National Museum ›
Northern Ireland is stricter still. The Treasure Act applies and finds go to National Museums NI within fourteen days, but any searching that involves digging — metal detecting expressly included — needs a licence, and licences are only granted for archaeological projects. National Museums NI ›
This site covers discoveries from all over the world, and so does the variation in the law — from a recording scheme that thanks you, to a criminal offence. Wherever you are searching, find out what applies there before you go, not after.
