April 26th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

If you're new to metal detecting or even if you are simply considering picking up a new hobby but are not sure if metal detecting is right for you or where to start. The good news is that there are tons of resources out there for beginners and experts alike. Read on for my top tips on everything from finding the best places to detect, to where to learn more about metal detecting and much more!

What is metal detecting?

Let’s start off with the basics of answering, what is metal detecting? Well, it is the practice of searching for ‘buried treasure’ with a machine that is able to locate metals that are under the ground which as you know is called a metal detector. It can locate metals in things such as coins and jewellery.

A Brief History of Metal Detecting

Metal detecting has quite an interesting history and people have been experimenting with the idea of metal detection since way back in the 1800s when scientists and scholars hoped to find a way to detect metals such as gold underground in order to make mining and prospecting easier – as you can imagine something like this would have provided a huge advantage – however, if any of these attempts were successful is unknown and the first time we hear of metal detectors in the history books was created by Alexander Graham Bell after former President James Garfield was shot – they hoped to locate the bullet using this device however, unfortunately, it was unable to due to it reacting to the metal bed springs located on the bed and President Garfield shorty passed away. It was then much later in 1925 that Gerhard Fisher obtained the patent for what would become the basis for the modern metal detectors and since that original patent, many people have worked hard to improve on these earlier designs until we have the incredible models we see today!

Who is Metal Detecting Suitable for?

One of the most wonderful things about metal detecting as a hobby is that it is fun and accessible for everyone of any age or fitness level which makes it a great hobby to take part in alone, with friends or with the family too. It is also a fantastic way to get some gentle exercise and liven up a walk for children too by turning it into a treasure hunt.

It’s also important to not be put off from trying a hobby for fear of being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – while there is skill involved like with any hobby luck and patience play an incredibly large part in how successful you will be. It can seem like a daunting task to get started with a new hobby but don't worry! You can learn to be a good metal detectorist with just a little practice and patience. There are lots of resources available online and in books that will help you get started and thanks to social media it is also much easier to find groups who share the same interests as you and are willing to share their knowledge with others--and they'll probably be happy to answer any questions you have!

What Do I Need to Get Started?

With a hobby like this, it can be easy to think you need to spend a large amount of money to get started but the truth is – in the beginning and as you get used to metal detecting it is not important to have the most advanced or most expensive model a simple beginners kit such as the MYLEK Beginners kit which comes with everything you need. Once you get used to the hobby and begin to advance you can then begin to upgrade your equipment based on your needs!

MYLEK XP PLUS All-Terrain Metal Detector Kit

Price: £74.99

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How do you find the best places to detect?

Another fantastic benefit of metal detecting is that you can do it almost anywhere at all and you are likely to still come across something. This includes your own yard, woods, beaches or fields – the options are endless. That being said there are still some rules that need to be followed. For example, it is important to check with each area first to see if you need permission to metal detect in the area, it is also important to know that any ‘treasure’ found on private property belongs to the owner unless previously agreed and finally you are unable to metal detect on important historical sites – these are protected by lawn and you can find yourself in trouble if you disregard this. So, before planning a trip out with your metal detector always make sure to do your research first and grant any permission required.

Other Important Tips

So now we have covered the bare bones of this rich and fulfilling hobby, there are a few other things to also keep in mind on top of ensuring that you always have permission to detect in an area. Many of these are simply to follow common courtesy such as ensuring that you properly fill any holes that you have dug, removing any rubbish you find and following the countryside code – this means closing gates, do not block field entrances and respecting plants, crops and wildlife in the area. Now among these rules, there are also those it is incredibly important that you familiarise yourself with the treasure laws – these laws state that any treasure found must be reported to the coroner of that district within 14 days of finding them. This legislation defines treasure as:

·        Any metallic object that is at least 300 years old and made from at least10% precious metal - this does not include coins

·        Any prehistoric object where any part is made from precious metal

·        2 or more prehistoric metallic objects of any composition that come from the same find.

·        2 or more coins that are at least 300 years old and contain 10% gold or silver

·        10 or more coins of any metal

·        Any object, of any composition, that is found in the same place as objects considered to be treasure.

·        Objects that are less than 300 years old, that are made substantially of gold or silver, that have been deliberately hidden with the intention of recovery and whose owners or heirs are unknown.

If you think you have found treasure and or are unsure of the next steps then we highly recommend checking here: https://www.gov.uk/treasure.

We hope this blog has helped you better understand what it means to be a metal detectorist and given you some insight into the hobby. It's a great way to spend time outdoors, learn about history and culture, connect with others who share your passion--and maybe even find some treasure!