National Council for Metal Detecting
Member of: The Central Council of Physical Recreation.
NCMD News and Views.
SPRING 2008
The National Council would welcome replies and comments on the information contained in
News and Views. Email editor at:
NCMD Membership.
For membership joining applications, information and fees please contact:
John Rigby, Membership Secretary.
Tel 01253 294643
E mail: jjrigby@sky.com
Enquiries.
For all other enquiries please contact:
Trevor Austin, General Secretary,
51 Hilltop Gardens, Denaby, Doncaster. DN12 4SA.
Tel 01709 868521
E mail: trevor.austin@ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Website: www.ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Forum: http://ncmd-forum.com
Or www.ncmd-forum.com
1. Membership Renewals
Just a reminder that NCMD membership renewal is due from April 1st. Please ensure you renew and maintain the support of your region and the national organisation.
2. Improved NCMD Civil Liability Insurance.
Your civil liability insurance cover has been increased to £10 million. Your 2008/9 membership card will show the old figure of £5 million as cards were printed prior to the increase being applied.
3. NCMD Forum.
Have You Signed Up Yet?
Take advantage of automatic e-mail of NCMD information. Find out ‘Whats On’ Look at members finds. Use the facility provided on the NCMD Forum.
Just log-on to www.ncmd-forum.com, fill in the simple registration using your NCMD membership card number and you will receive NCMD News & Views automatically. Additionally you will have access to a vast library of metal detecting related information.’
4. Natural England
Environmental Stewardship.
Entry Level / Higher Level.
The handbook for Entry Level & Higher Level Environmental Schemes is currently being revised. The revised handbook will apply to new ELS/HLS contracts and will not be retrospective. It will however apply to current ELS agreements when they come up for renewal from 2010. The NCMD, along with others, is actively involved in the preparation of the sections related to metal detecting.
Amongst the changes will be a clarification of metal detection access procedures and inclusion of a reference to the voluntary Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detection.
Archaeological parties have raised concerns with Natural England over the holding of metal detecting rallies on ELS land and metal detecting on uncultivated land including permanent pasture. An update of the final wording will be published when more details are known.
5. Portable Antiquities Scheme
The Future of the PAS.
As at 1st May no further news has been received from DCMS on the way forward for the PAS.
The PAAG (Portable Antiquities Advisory Group) meeting planned for April 1st has been deferred until the middle of May.
Landowners Leaflet.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme have renewed their intent to produce and issue this leaflet last discussed in 2005 .Its intended purpose (according to the PAS) is to advise landowners and tenants of their rights with respect to people seeking to access their land to search for archaeological material including the use of metal detectors.
The NCMD have submitted detailed comments and observations. We remain concerned over a number of details surrounding the intended issue of such a leaflet. It has not been made clear if it is intended to replace a variety of outdated and factually incorrect leaflets previously issued by other bodies and interested parties or merely to accompany these.
A Code of Practice for Rallies in England & Wales.
NCMD have been asked for comments on a draft code prepared by PAS. We have responded with critical comment on the content which is due to be discussed at the next PAAG meeting, when, presumably a second draft will be issued for further comment by members.
It is understood that PAS have discussed the content of the code and its implementation with commercial rally organisers.
Who’s Who on The Portable Antiquities Advisory Group. PAAG.
This is a series of articles outlining the members of the PAAG and explaining who they are and the work they do.
The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers UK. ALGAO.
A national organisation with individual associations in England, Scotland and Wales
They provide a forum representing archaeologists working for local authorities and national parks throughout the UK. Its members are senior professional archaeologists employed by local authorities to provide advice on archaeological conservation and management.
The Association addresses a wide range of issues and concerns relating to the historic environment and works in partnership with national agencies and other organisations to develop Historic Environment Records / Sites and Monuments Records (HERs / SMRs).
Other areas where they offer advice include Planning and legislation, Countryside, Urban, Maritime, Historic Buildings, Historic Landscapes.
6. Nighthawking Project.
Oxford Archaeology (the contractor carrying out the project on behalf of English Heritage) are continuing with data collection which is due for completion in April 2008. Current activity includes distributing an open letter more widely to farmers and landowners as part of their data collection exercise.
It is believed that the BBC will be making a programme on the subject of nighthawking in the Autumn and it is likely that Oxford Archaeology will contribute to this. This will be after the final project report is produced.
The NCMD attended the steering group meeting held in April and will attend the full project board meetings as observers.
A report back on the final results of the project will be published in the autumn.
7. NCMD FINDS COMPETITIONS 2007.
The Annual Karolyn and Robin Hatt Memorial Finds Competitions.
The annual competitions are based upon metal detecting finds made by members during a calendar year 1st January to 31st December. The current competition is for the year 2007.
Entries are in three classifications – coin, artefact and hoard.
Regional Representatives are requested to arrange for regional entries to be available for the final judging to be held at the NCMD Ordinary meeting to be held in October/November. Further details are available from your Regional Representative.
Hoard entries should be submitted to Hilary Fagin, Competitions Manager, contact email shown below, accompanied by good, clear photographs including one photo of the complete hoard.
The following information is requested to accompany each entry.
Name, address (not for publication) and approximate age of finder. NCMD Region and Club name if applicable. A brief but accurate identification and description of the find, approximate date of recovery, type of site i.e. ploughed, pasture, beach etc. The general area of recovery, county or parish. Add any additional information you feel is significant.
Individual NCMD members and those clubs not registered with a Region should submit entries to Hilary our competition manager.
e-mail: alex182sa@blueyonder.co.uk
Finders are welcome to accompany their entries to the finals. Speak to your representative regarding arrangements.
8. NCMD application for Representation on Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel. SAFAP
Our President, John Wells, has written to the Scottish Parliament to ask that consideration be given to having an NCMD representative on SAFAP once the Panel membership is reviewed later this year.
The advantages of doing so would be:
(a) To properly represent ‘finders’ and also possibly fulfil the role of a ‘lay’ member.
(b) To bring knowledge and expertise in the identification and/or valuation of metal artefacts.
(c) To bring Scotland into line with the long established Treasure Valuation Committee (TVC) structure in England which includes as one of its members, the General Secretary of the NCMD. The NCMD considers that there is no logical reason why the two Treasure systems should differ materially in its composition, and the inclusion of an NCMD representative would bring a consistency to the process at a national level.
We have received a reply noting our request and this will be considered as part of a review of cultural bodies under plans by the Scottish Government for reforming the public sector and its numerous bodies.
9. Heritage Bill. Heritage Protection for 21st Century.
The White Paper for this Bill was presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State in March 2007.
Draft legislation to unify heritage protection regimes, allow greater public involvement in decisions and place heritage at the heart of the planning system, has now been published by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.
The draft Heritage Protection Bill, the first legislation in this area for 30 years, will now be scrutinised by Parliament. It includes plans to:
(a) create a single simple system for designation – to be called the Heritage Register – which will replace listing, scheduling and registering, and give the public a greater say in what gets protected with new consultation rules;
(b) devolve responsibility for designating land-based assets in England from the DCMS to English Heritage;
(c) reform the marine heritage protection regime in England and Wales, by broadening the range of marine historic assets that can be protected and bringing greater flexibility to the licensing system;
(d) introduce a system for provisional registration to give ‘interim protection’ to historic assets while they are being considered for designation, and create new appeals procedures against land-based designation and marine licensing decisions;
(e) put the historic environment at the heart of the planning system by replacing listed building consent and scheduled monument consent with a new Heritage Asset Consent, and merging conservation area consent with planning permission and secure the basis for informed stewardship of the historic environment by placing local authorities under a duty to maintain or have access to an Historic Environment Record (HER).
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge commented:
“This draft Bill is a really important step along the way to making our system of heritage protection more democratic and, where necessary, more effective. It has been many years in preparation and will make a real difference to the way that ordinary people all over the country engage with our built environment.
“We are publishing it in draft to encourage the widest – and most searching - scrutiny possible, from Parliament and the public. I very much look forward to debating its principles over the months to come.”
Legislation to enact the proposals will come before Parliament when Parliamentary time allows.
NOTE: The heritage protection system in England comprises the systems of listing buildings, scheduling ancient monuments, designating historic wrecks and registering historic parks, gardens and battlefields.
The heritage protection system in Wales comprises the systems of listing buildings, scheduling ancient monuments, designating historic wrecks and registering parks, gardens and landscapes.
10. NCMD Annual General Meeting.
The A.G.M. of the NCMD will be held on Sunday 15th June, 2007 at 10.00 am. This will be followed by the Ordinary Meeting.
Nominations for the positions of the officers for 2008/9 should be made in writing to the General Secretary. Nominations should be signed by both the proposer and nominee. Officers standing down this year are: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Membership Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer.
Propositions for changes to the current Constitution should also be submitted in writing. Copies of the current constitution, (version June 2007), are available from the Secretary.
Submissions for any of the above items must be received by the Secretary 28 days prior to the meeting.
National Council for Metal Detecting
Member of: The Central Council of Physical Recreation.
NCMD News and Views Summer 2007
The National Council would welcome replies and comments on the information contained in
News and Views. Email editor at: bobbaldock@btinternet.com
NCMD Membership.
For membership joining applications, information and fees please contact: John Rigby, Membership Secretary.
Tel 01253 294643
E mail: jjrigby@aol.com
Enquiries.
For all other enquiries please contact:
Trevor Austin, General Secretary,
51 Hilltop Gardens, Denaby, Doncaster. DN12 4SA.
Tel 01709 868521
E mail: trevor.austin@ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Website:
www.ncmd.co.ukNCMD Forum:
http://ncmd-forum.comOr
www.ncmd-forum.com1. NCMD Annual General Meeting.
The A.G.M. of the NCMD was held on Sunday 10th June, 2007 at 10.00 am at The Innkeepers Lodge, Northampton.
Officers standing down
Clive Sinclair - Public Relations Officer and Dennis Jordan - President.
Officers elected
Chairman: Steve Critchley - re-elected.
Vice Chairman: Bob Baldock – re-elected.
Co-opted Officer: Clive Sinclair
President: John Wells
Honorary Life President: Dennis Jordan
The following positions were not due for re election this year.
General Secretary. Trevor Austin
Ass General Secretary Sue Austin
Membership Secretary John Rigby
Treasurer Dave Philpotts
Representative to CCPR: Barry Morgan
Honorary Examiners for the Annual Accounts: Brian Pollard and Joe Rigby - (re-appointed). Competitions Manager. Hilary fagin
Affiliated Members
Treasure Hunting Magazine
The Searcher Magazine.
Minelab
Constitution Changes/Amendments
Minor amendments were made to Appendix A of the Constitution, the NCMD Code of Conduct, to cover the endorsement by the NCMD of the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detection in 2006.
In addition the inclusion of a statement on the Recording of Finds Data with Third Parties as an appendix to the Constitution was agreed in principle. A draft wascirculated to officers and delegates for comment and a final form of words will be prepared for issue at the November OGM.
2. NCMD Forum.
Have You Signed Up Yet?
Take advantage of automatic e-mail of NCMD information. Find out ‘Whats On’ Look at members finds. Use the facility provided on the NCMD Forum. Just log-on to
www.ncmd-forum.com, fill in the simple registration using your NCMD membership card number and you will receive NCMD News & Views automatically. Additionally you will have access to a vast library of metal detecting related information.’3. Environmental Stewardship.
Entry Level / Higher Level.
The handbook for the Entry Level and Higher Level Schemes is to be updated. Amongst the changes will be a clarification of metal detection access procedures and inclusion of a reference to the voluntary Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detection. This will involve minor changes to the handbook itself, but Natural England, who administer and implement these schemes are seeking to produce a detailed Guidance Note to help Advisors interpret and implement the requirements for facilitating metal detection access.
Details were discussed at the Portable Antiquities Advisory Group (PAAG) on 21st June. As a member of PAAG the NCMD has submitted detailed comments to Natural England.
4. Portable Antiquities Scheme
Landowners Leaflet.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme have renewed their intent to produce and issue this leaflet last discussed in 2005 .Its intended purpose (according to the PAS) is to advise landowners and tenants of their rights with respect to people seeking to access their land to search for archaeological material including the use of metal detectors.
The NCMD have submitted detailed comments and observations. We remain concerned over a number of details surrounding the intended issue of such a leaflet. It has not been made clear if it is intended to replace a variety of outdated and factually incorrect leaflets previously issued by other bodies and interested parties or merely to accompany these.
Nighthawking Project.
Data collection for this survey via online questionnaires and individual follow up contact is now underway subsequent to its launch on the 21st June. It has engendered much debate since its inception and following discussion within the membership and by the NCMD Executive Committee at its June Ordinary
General Meeting the NCMD are re-evaluating its participation in the Project.
As members of the Portable Antiquities Advisory Group (PAAG) the NCMD has been involved in the preparatory discussions for the Project following the award of the contract to Oxford Archaeology in 2006. This is a potentially divisive issue and the NCMD is well aware of the difficulties for the hobby that may arise from negative, biased and mischievous media coverage.
The rumours of a future Time Team programme on the topic and a recent article in the Sunday Telegraph suggesting it will lead to new legislation are current examples.
NCMD officers attended a meeting of the PAAG in December 2006 where the Project was introduced and discussed. One recommendation from this meeting was the formation of a Steering Group to oversee the project. The latter was formed February 2007, has held two meetings and is composed of representatives from English Heritage, Oxford Archaeology, the Council for British Archaeology, the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Regrettably the NCMD was not included on the Steering Group nor even informed of its existence until (by
chance) onthe 20th June 2007 indicating that the Nighthawking Project is intended to be a purely archaeological one.
The NCMD is to discuss and review its continued involvement in the Project at its November OGM and in the meantime, under instruction from the Executive Committee, the NCMD representatives to the PAAG are only maintaining a watching brief on progress of the Nighthawking Project.
PAS Statements on Finds Databases and Rallies.
The following statements were proposed, and include changes suggested by the NCMD, Society of Museum Archaeologists, Association of Local Government Archaeological OfficersandEnglish Heritage.
Finds databases
The Portable Antiquities Scheme strongly encourages finders to keep records of where they made their finds, and this is consistent with individuals, groups or organisations maintaining their own database/s of finds. However, if you wish the information about your finds to add to our knowledge of the archaeology of England and Wales this can best be done by recording your finds (with the agreement of the landowner/occupier) with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which has an agreement to transfer its data to Historic Environment Records (as set out in the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales).
Metal-detecting Rallies
For people attending rallies: The Portable Antiquities Scheme encourages finders to follow the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales at all times, including whilst on metal-detecting rallies. This states that all archaeological finds should be recorded with PAS, with the agreement of the landowner/occupier. Your local Finds Liaison Officer will be happy to record your finds, either at the rally itself, if he or she is present, or subsequently.
For those organising rallies: The Portable Antiquities Scheme recommends that rally organisers should provide adequate resources for the recording of archaeological finds consistent with the spirit of the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales. In particular, Finds Liaison Officers should be invited to attend all rallies. Where the Finds Liaison Officer is unable to attend, rally organisers are encouraged to provide maps of the area detected, so that finders can record finds with their local Finds Liaison Officer, with the agreement of the landowner/occupier. Rally organisers should also notify thelocal archaeological curator/HER of their event and liaise with them.
5. NCMD National Finds Competitions. 2006.
The Annual Karolyn and Robin Hatt Memorial Finds Competitions.
The annual competitions are based upon metal detecting finds made by members during a calendar year 1st January to 31st December. The current competition is for the year 2006.
Entries are in three classifications – coin, artefact and hoard.
Regional Representatives are requested to arrange for regional entries to be available for the final judging to be held at the NCMD Ordinary meeting to be held on November 18th at The Innkeepers Lodge, Northampton. Further details are available from your Regional Representative.
The following information is requested for each entry.
Name, address (not for publication) and approximate age of finder. NCMD Region and Club name if applicable. A brief but accurate identification and description of the find, approximate date of recovery, type of site i.e. ploughed, pasture, beach etc. The general area of recovery, county or parish. Add any additional information you feel is significant.
Hoard entries should be submitted to Hilary Fagin, Competitions Manager, contact email shown below, accompanied by good, clear photographs including one photo of the complete hoard.
There is still time for Individual NCMD members and those clubs not registered with a Region to submit entries to Hilary our competition manager.
e-mail: alex182sa@blueyonder.co.uk
Finders are welcome to accompany their entries to the finals. Speak to your representative regarding arrangements.
6. MAKING HISTORY: ANTIQUARIES IN BRITAIN. 1707 – 2007.
Royal Academy of Arts, London.
15 September - 2 December 2007
This exhibition will explore the work and achievement of the Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London since its foundation in the early eighteenth century to the present day.
It will showcase for the first time, treasures from Britain's oldest Learned Society concerned with the study of the past. It will feature works of art, antiquities and manuscripts of unique historical importance, such as the processional cross of King Richard III and his defeated Yorkist army recovered from the battlefield of Bosworth (1485). Also on show will be the earliest known medieval manuscript illustrations of Stonehenge, as well as drawings and records of other buildings and objects now lost, paintings of ancient sites and landscapes by Constable, Turner, Blake and an extraordinary collection of English royal portraits from Henry VI to Mary Tudor.
Since its foundation in 1707, the Society has been at the forefront of research in archaeology and the study of the historic sites, monuments and artefacts of Britain. Through objects and biographies of leading antiquaries, this exhibition will feature milestones in the discovery, recording, interpretation and communication of Britain's past and reveal how new discoveries and technologies have transformed our understanding. The exhibition's guest curator, the celebrated historian Dr David Starkey FSA, says, "For me, history has always been as much about things - buildings, paintings, jewels - as written documents
Entrance Fees. Adult - £8.
Concessions (60+/Disabled) - £6.50
Disabled Carers – Free
Corporate Members &
Students (NUS) - £5.50.
12-18yrs/Income Support - £4
8-11yrs - £3, 7yrs and under – Free
Tickets: 0870 848 8484
www.royalacademy.org.uk7. Portable Antiquities Scheme Appraisal Questionnaire.
Have You Returned Yours Yet?
Members are reminded that the deadline for the return of the questionnaires is the 31st October 2007. Completed questionnaires can be submitted via regional delegates or posted direct to the NCMD General Secretary or the Membership Secretary.
Appraisal of the Portable Antiquities Scheme: 2007
For several years’ members comment and anecdotal accounts concerning the operation of the PAS have been brought to the attention of the NCMD Executive. A number of these were dealt with through liaison with the PAS management or through NCMD officers and regional delegates.
However it is now opportune with the approach of the PAS’s tenth anniversary, to seek the comments of the membership on a more formal basis as a measure of the performance of both the scheme and the FLO’s. A formal request from the Western Region made at the February 2007 OGM for the NCMD to carry out an appraisal within that region acted as the basis for the current issue of the questionnaire.
As a part of the NCMD remit we have a responsibility to our membership to ensure that they continue to receive a comprehensive, fair and accurate service from the PAS. It is regrettable that there continues to be some perceived difficulties with the operation of the scheme and the levels and quality of service it provides to our members.
In order to understand more fully the background to any such problems and their magnitude, the NCMD needs to have written comment and accurate details of any difficulties that have been experienced by its members in order for it to make representations to the PAS management if necessary.
There is no intent to carry out a "witch hunt", but merely to gain a more complete understanding (good or bad) of the operation of the PAS in relation to our member’s needs and expectations.
Data from the completed questionnaires will be collated by an outside organisation to ensure that there is an unbiasedpresentation of the responses for discussion at the November 2007 OGM. Should it be necessary the NCMD may enquire further into individual situations hopefully with the full co-operation of the PAS management to seek to rectify any anomalous problems. It is also the intent to appraise the PAS management on the outcome of the exercise following discussions of the result at the November meeting.
The outcome of the exercise may indicate new opportunities to expand the NCMD’s liaison with the PAS for the benefit of the members. We will have to wait and see if the response is substantive and statistically sound. It is a first venture into uncharted territory and is as such very much a learning process and one that may prove to be a useful information-gathering model for the future.
National Council for Metal Detecting
Member of: The Central Council of Physical Recreation.
Launch of NCMD Internet Forum
www.ncmd-forum.comThe Forum will become active to members on the 17th March 2006.
National Council for Metal Detecting
Member of: The Central Council of Physical Recreation.
News Bulletin No.42
NCMD Membership
For membership joining applications, information and fees please contact: -
John Rigby, Membership Secretary.
Tel 01253 294643
E mail: jjrigby@aol.com
Enquiries
For all other enquiries please contact: -
Trevor Austin, General Secretary,
51 Hilltop Gardens, Denaby, Doncaster. DN12 4SA.
Tel 01709 868521
E mail: trevor.austin@ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Website: www.ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Forum: http://ncmd-forum.com/
NCMD Annual General Meeting.
The A.G.M. of the NCMD will be held on Sunday 10th June, 2007 at 10.00 am at The
Innkeepers Lodge, Northampton.
Nominations for the positions of the officers for 2007/8 should be made in
writing, to the General Secretary. Nominations should be signed by both the
proposer and nominee.
Propositions for changes to the current Constitution should also be submitted in
writing. Copies of the current constitution, (version June 2006), are available
from the secretary.
Submissions for any of the above items must be received by the secretary 28 days
prior to the meeting.
Countryside Stewardship (CSS, ELS & HLS)
The NCMD has now received the contact points for Local Historic Environment
Officers appointed by Natural England. These officers will be able to provide up
to date information and guidance regarding metal detecting on land under
Countryside Stewardship Scheme arrangements. Members can obtain their local
contact point on application to their NCMD representative.
NCMD Constitution
The publication, in 2006, of the voluntary ‘Code of Practice for Responsible
Metal Detecting, in England and Wales’ is endorsed by most metal detecting,
archaeological and Landowner organisations. It is considered that the NCMD Code
of Conduct as contained in the NCMD Constitution should be reviewed and updated
to reflect our support for the new Code. It is therefore to be considered at the
next NCMD A.G.M to be held on 10th June 2007. Anyone with proposals or opinions
on this item should contact their Regional Representatives or by e-mail to the
address shown at the beginning of this newsletter by 30th April, 2007.
NCMD Forum
Clubs are requested to ensure that details of their contacts are updated. This
can be done through Regional Representatives or direct to the General Secretary.
Would clubs please make known the contents of News & Views at their club
meetings.
If your club or members wish to take advantage of automatic e-mail of NCMD
information then please use the facility provided on the NCMD Forum.
Just log-on to www.ncmd-forum.com, fill in the simple registration using your
NCMD membership card number and you will receive NCMD News & Views
automatically. Lots of other metal detecting information is contained on this
web site. The same facility is available to independent members.
PAS Appraisal Questionnaire
The NCMD has prepared and is in the process of distributing a short
questionnaire to its members asking for their experiences with regards to the
PAS and appraisal of the service provided by their respective Finds Liaison
Officers (FLO’s). The questionnaire will be distributed to all NCMD regions for
onward distribution to all clubs and individual members. The return date for
completed questionnaires is by 31st October 2007.
Portable Antiquities Scheme
The PAS conference entitled “A Decade of Discovery” is to be held on the 17/18th
April 2007. Attendance requires pre booking at a cost of £10 per day or £15 for
both days. The aim of the conference is to celebrate the archaeological benefit
derived form the PAS data and how its analysis is beginning to challenge the
accepted ideas of the archaeological record. There are no speakers representing
the hobby of metal detection at this purely archaeological conference.
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NCMD News and Views.
Spring 2006
The National Council would welcome replies and comments on the information contained in News and Views.
Email editor at: bob@ baldock48.freeserve.co.uk
NCMD Membership.
For membership joining applications, information and fees please contact:
John Rigby, Membership Secretary.
Tel 01253 294643
E mail: jjrigby@aol.com
Enquiries.
For all other enquiries please contact:
Trevor Austin, General Secretary,
51 Hilltop Gardens, Denaby, Doncaster. DN12 4SA.
Tel 01709 868521
E mail: trevor.austin@ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Website: www.ncmd.co.uk
NCMD Forum: http:/ncmd-forum.com
1.
Code of
Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales.
As reported previously the Portable Antiquities Project Board and Advisory Group (PAPBAG) has been drafting a Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales. The NCMD is the only metal detecting organisation that has taken up the invitation to become a permanent member of PAPBAG and become actively involved in the production of the Code.
Following our further review of the proposed code, Steve Critchley and Bob Baldock attended a pre-PAPBAG meeting, in January, with officers from CBA, (Council for British Archaeology), CLA, (Country Land and Business Association), PAS, (Portable Antiquites Scheme) and EH, (English Heritage), to discuss further amendments from each party.
A final draft was agreed and this was submitted to the formal PAPBAG meeting. It was agreed that each organisation represented should confirm their acceptance of the final draft by the end of February 2006.
The revised document was distributed to our regional delegates at the NCMD Ordinary Meeting held on 26th February. Approval for acceptance of the revised code was unanimous. Notice of our endorsement was submitted to the PAS.
The NCMD believes that this Code is both fair and practical and that by adhering to the Code the vast majority of metal-detectorists will be able to demonstrate that they have a genuine interest in the past and wish to benefit from the knowledge they gain from their hobby.
In many European countries detectorists are not allowed to operate in order to protect antiquities, but the practice still goes on clandestinely with finds ending up on the black market.
Britain has always had a more tolerant position, although the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) fought a campaign to ban metal detecting in the 1970’s.
Things have changed dramatically. Now they are backing the voluntary code for the hobbyists and recognising their role in archaeology.
Dr Mike Hayworth, Director of the CBA says the archaeological fraternity had changed its mind. “The Council in those days took the view that metal detecting (by hobbyists) should be stopped and banned. We now recognise the detector is a tool that can be used”.
The CBA, landowners, and the NCMD have driven the creation of the code of conduct, which as well as encouraging responsible behaviour is a recognition that the hobby has a right to exist and a role to play.
The code has been agreed by all key archaeological bodies, metal detecting and landowners organisations.
The code is voluntary but has the full endorsement of the following signatories.
The National Council for Metal Detecting.
The Country Land and Business Association.
The National Farmers Union.
The Council for British Archaeology.
English Heritage.
National Museums and Galleries of Wales.
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
The British Museum.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme.
The Society of Museum Archaeologists.
Federation of Independent Detectorists.
The Royal Commission for the Ancient Monuments of Wales.
Compliance with the recom- mendations of the Code of Practice not encompassed within the NCMD Code of Conduct are not conditions of membership. However, NCMD has endorsed and commends the Code as best practice.
Included below is a transcript of the code. Formal copies of will be distributed to members on receipt from the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales.
Being responsible means: -
Before you go metal detecting.
1. Not trespassing; before you start detecting obtain permission to search from the landowner/ occupier, regardless of the status, or perceived status, of the land. Remember that all land has an owner. To avoid subsequent disputes it is always advisable to get permission and agreement in writing first regarding the ownership of any finds subsequently discovered. (see www.cla.org.uk / http://www.nfuonline.com.)
2. Adhering to the laws concerning protected sites (e.g. those defined as Scheduled Monuments or Sites of Special Scientific Interest: you can obtain details of these from the landowner/occupier, Finds Liaison Officer, Historic Environment Record or at www magic.gov.uk). Take extra care when detecting near protected sites; for example, it is not always clear where the boundaries lie on the ground.
3. You are strongly advised to join a metal detecting club or organisation that encourages co-operation and responsive exchanges with other responsible heritage groups. Details of metal detecting organisations can be found at.www.ncmd.co.uk / www.fid.newbury.net
4. Familiarising yourself with and following current conservation advice on handling, care and storage of archaeological objects (see www.finds.org.uk)
While you are metal detecting
5. Whenever possible working on ground that has already been disturbed (such as ploughed land or land that has been formally ploughed), and only within the depth of ploughing. If detecting takes place on undisturbed pasture, be careful to ensure that no damage is done to the archaeological value of the land, including earthworks.
6. Minimising any ground disturbance through the use of suitable tools and by reinstating any excavated material as neatly as possible. Endeavour not to damage stratified archaeological deposits.
7. Recording findspots as accurately as possible for all finds (i.e. to at least a one hundred metre square, using an Ordnance Survey map or hand held Global Positioning Systems (GPS) device) whilst in the field. Bag finds individually and record the National Grid Reference (NGR) on the bag. Findspot information should not be passed on to other parties without agreement of the landowner/occupier (see also clause 9).
8. Respecting the Country Code (leave gates and property as you find them and do not damage crops, frighten animals or disturb ground nesting birds, and dispose properly of litter: (see http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk. )
After you have been metal detecting.
9. Reporting any finds to the relevant landowner/occupier: and (with the agreement of the landowner/occupier) to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, so that the information can pass into the local Historic Environment Record. Both the Country Land and Business Association (www.cla.org.uk) and the National farmers Union (www.nfuonline.com) support the reporting of finds. Details of you local Finds Liaison Officer can be found at www.finds.org.uk, email info@finds.org.uk or telephone 020 7323 8611.
10. Abiding by the provisions of the Treasure Act and Treasure Code of Practice (http://www.find.org.uk),
wreck law (www.mcga.gov.uk) and
export licensing (www.mla.gov.uk).
If you need advice your local Finds Liaison Officer will be able to help you.
11. Seeking expert help if you discover something large below the ploughsoil, or a concentration of finds or unusual material, or wreck remains, and ensuring that the landowner/occupiers permission is obtained to do so. Your local Finds Liaison Officer may be able to help or will be able to advise of an appropriate person. Reporting the find does not change your rights of discovery, but will result in far more archaeological evidence being discovered.
12. Calling the Police, and notifying the landowner/occupier, if you find any traces of human remains.
13. Calling the Police or HM Coastguard, and notifying the landowner/occupier, if you find anything that may be a live explosive: do not use a metal detector or mobile phone nearby as this might trigger an explosion. Do not attempt to move or interfere with any such explosives.
2. NCMD Internet Forum.
Clive Sinclair, Southern Region,
The NCMD Internet Forum was successfully launched on the 17th March and at the time of writing this article, 70 members are now registered. The forum is still under development and currently provides the following sections for members: -
Acceptable User Policy (AUP).
General Chat Room. Suggestion Box.
Coin Finds. Artefact Finds.
Finds Identification.
Metal Detector Discussions.
UK Clubs & Contacts.
Robin & Karolyn Hatt Memorial Trophy.
NCMD News & Views.
Whats On.
PAS News.
To access the forum all NCMD members have to register by filling in and submitting an on line form, carefully following the instructions given on the front page (Portal). It is important to print out or write down the instructions before clicking on the register button, as it is not possible to go back to them when in the registration screen. The information requested is necessary to enable the forum administrators to validate that the applications are from NCMD members, as this is not a public forum.
The forum will be run on a trial basis until mid March 2007, when a decision will be made by the NCMD Executive Committee, as to whether the forum should continue on a permanent basis.
2. CCPR Report. (Central Council for Physical Recreation).
Barry Morgan, Yorkshire Region, reported the following items from the CCPR.
CCPR is monitoring closely the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill, NERC, and its implementation.
Whilst welcoming and supporting the new proposals of the Bill, CCPR believes that Access and Recreation should be given due consideration and equal weighting within the Bill. They are concerned that it will not receive due prominence within the remit of the work of Natural England who should have a vital role to play in ensuring that Local Authorities fulfil their responsibilities regarding the delivery of access facilities. This recommendation should be included within the Bill.
CCPR recommends that the government give further thought to the clarification of Rights of Way In consultation with the relevant user groups.
A copy of the briefing will be available at www.ccpr.org.uk
4. Battlefields Trust.
Brian Pollard, Midland Region, reported on a conference held at Leeds in January and chaired by Lord Faulkner.
The NCMD had been requested to participate in this event and Brian gave a presentation on metal detecting and the work of the NCMD.
5. DEFRA CSS/ELS. Countryside Stewardship Scheme / Entry Level Scheme.
Clive Sinclair, PRO, has invited a representative from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to speak to a Management Team meeting, to be held in May, on the operation of the various schemes.
6. National Finds Competitions.
Robin Hatt Memorial Competition.
This is a competition for the best coin and best artefact discovered with a metal detector.
Karolyn Hatt Memorial Competition.
This is a competition for the best hoard discovered with a metal detector.
The Finds Competitions are still open for entries. If you have an object that you wish to enter please contact your regional representative. The competitions will be judged at the AGM to be held in June.
7. Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Conference, 2006.
A one day conference to explore how the Portable Antiquities Scheme has Advanced Archaeological knowledge was held at the British Museum in April.
Many speakers demonstrated how PAS data is beginning to paint a clearer picture of activity within our countryside.
The important contribution made by metal detectorists who report their finds to the scheme was recognised.
Presentations were given on wide ranging subjects including :
The PAS contribution to Heritage Environment Records data (HER’s).
A report from York Archaeological Trust on the advice provided to the PAS on conservation.
Advancing knowledge of Archaeological Finds and Sites.
8. Transfer of the Administration Functions relating to the Treasure Act.
Under current arrangements, which have been in place since the Treasure Act 1996 first came into force, the British Museum (BM) is responsible for administration of the Treasure system prior to the inquest and the Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) is responsible for the administration of the valuation and post valuation stages of the process.
It is proposed that the DCMS will transfer those administrative functions to the BM.
The transfer of these functions will improve efficiency and delivery of the process. It has been recognised that, since the BM is a potential purchaser of treasure items, certain measures will need to be put in place to avoid any conflict of interest.
The Secretary of State will continue to be responsible for the appointment of the members of the Treasure Valuation Committee and make final decisions on valuations.
The NCMD has been invited to be represented on the steering group of this project and we have appointed Trevor Austin as our representative.
9. Reform of the Coroner System.
The Government is committed to reforming the coroner system for England & Wales with the aims of improving the system including the role of the coroner in the Treasure Act.
A briefing note has been issued by the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) as follows:
“Assessing whether a particular find should be classed as treasure will be removed from the mainstream of coroners’ work. A new national coroner for treasure will be appointed, to take on the work currently carried out by coroners at a local level. The rights under the Treasure Act 1996, of those who use the coroners’ service in this way will not otherwise be affected.”