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Where Can You Not Metal Detect?

  • Writer: Holly
    Holly
  • Aug 18
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 20


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If you take only one rule away from this guide, let it be this: you cannot go metal detecting anywhere in the UK without permission. That includes farmland, local parks, beaches, woodland — everywhere. All land belongs to someone, whether it’s a private farmer, the local council, the Crown Estate, or a conservation charity. Without their consent, you have no right to swing a detector or dig a hole.

This is the most common mistake beginners make. The sight of an open field, a quiet stretch of sand, or a patch of woodland might feel like an open invitation, but in law it isn’t. You always need permission. Some landowners grant it freely, others impose strict bans, and many publish their policies clearly online. The key is knowing the difference between areas where detecting is never allowed, and those where you can apply for or gain permission.


National Trust Land

The National Trust is one of the UK’s largest landowners, responsible for historic houses, landscapes, and coastlines. They have a clear blanket ban on metal detecting across all their land.

That includes:

  • Farmland they own.

  • Woodlands.

  • Coastal areas and beaches.

Even with permission from a local manager, detecting is not allowed. The policy is strict because the Trust places conservation and archaeology at the heart of their mission.


Forestry England Land

Forestry England manages millions of trees and large areas of woodland. Their land often includes ancient earthworks, hillforts, and other sensitive archaeological sites. Because of this, they do not permit metal detecting.

Similar restrictions apply to other forestry bodies, such as Forestry and Land Scotland and Natural Resources Wales.


Scheduled Monuments and Archaeological Sites

Certain sites are protected by law under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. These are called Scheduled Monuments.

Detecting on or near a Scheduled Monument without explicit permission from Historic England (or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland) is illegal.

Examples include:

  • Stone circles.

  • Roman forts.

  • Medieval castles and abbeys.

The law is strict because even small disturbances can destroy vital archaeological evidence.


Protected Areas and Nature Reserves

Nature reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and other protected landscapes often prohibit metal detecting. These areas are designated to protect wildlife and natural features, but they frequently contain archaeology too.

Detecting here risks damaging fragile habitats as well as heritage, so blanket restrictions are common.


Council Land Without Permission

Local councils own parks, commons, and playing fields. Some allow detecting; many do not. Each council sets its own rules, often published on their website. If a council prohibits detecting, it is illegal to go ahead anyway.

Beginners sometimes assume that “public land” is open to everyone, but the truth is that all land has an owner, and permission must come from them.


Other Large Landowners

Other organisations with strict bans include:

  • The Ministry of Defence (MOD): Detecting is forbidden on MOD land, including training areas and former bases, unless you have extremely rare special permission.

  • Wildlife and conservation charities: Groups like the RSPB usually prohibit detecting to protect both wildlife and heritage.

  • Canal and river authorities: Land around waterways is usually off-limits unless explicit permission is granted.


Beaches with Restrictions

Most foreshore in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is managed by the Crown Estate, which does allow detecting. But some beaches are managed by councils or private bodies, who may impose their own restrictions.

In Scotland, while the Crown Estate also manages much of the foreshore, all finds belong to the Crown under the law of bona vacantia.


Why These Restrictions Exist

It can feel frustrating to see how many places are off-limits, but the reasons are clear:

  • Archaeology: Once disturbed, it can never be replaced.

  • Wildlife: Detecting risks damaging habitats for plants and animals.

  • Safety: Areas like MOD land can be hazardous, with unexploded ordnance still buried.

These rules protect both history and people.


Final Thoughts

So, where can you not metal detect? The answer includes National Trust land, Forestry England land, Scheduled Monuments, most nature reserves, MOD land, and any council or private property that hasn’t given permission.

For beginners, the key is to flip the question around. Don’t ask “where can’t I detect?” — ask “where am I allowed to detect?” If permission is not clearly granted, then detecting is off-limits.

By sticking to the rules, detectorists help protect the reputation of the hobby and preserve the past for future generations.


Sources & Further Reading

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