CBA News Release
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A Guidance Note on metal detecting rallies has been agreed which makes
important recommendations designed to limit the impact on the
archaeological record.
The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO), the
Council for British Archaeology (CBA), English Heritage (EH), the
Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), and the Society of Museum
Archaeologists (SMA) agreed the Note this month, which supplements the
Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-detecting in England and Wales by
providing specific guidelines for rallies and large-scale events.
The Guidance Note is also supported by the two largest commercial rally
organisers, who have promised to run their rallies in line with the
Guidance Note in the future. The CBA is encouraging Natural England to
send this Guidance Note to all landowners entering into Environmental
Stewardship (ES) agreements, in order to promote good practice when
rallies take place.
The guidance makes 16 recommendations, including a notice period of at
least 12 weeks for the local Historic Environment Record (HER) and Finds
Liaison Officer (FLO) so that any known archaeological sites can be
identified and proper preparations made for the recording of finds.
Rally organisers are also encouraged to provide participants with
information about relevant legislation, how to record finds, and useful
contact details. Organisers should remind all participants of the Code
of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales. The
boundary between the rally area and any known Scheduled Monuments or
Sites of Special Scientific Interest should be clearly marked,
preferably with a buffer zone of 20 metres. The guidance also reminds
detectorists of the role of FLOs, the importance of accurate recording,
and their legal obligations regarding the Treasure Act and Export
Licences.
The full text of the Guidance on Metal-detecting Rallies in England and
Wales can be found via the CBA Portable Antiquities pages:
http://www.britarch.ac.uk/conservation/portant/detecting
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Dr Dan Hull
Head of Information & Communications
Council for British Archaeology, St Mary's House, 66 Bootham, York YO30
7BZ
tel 01904 671417, fax 01904 671384
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& Registered Charity 287815.
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