IHBC’s COVID-19 signpost 86: DCMS publishes guidance on searching for archaeological finds in England during COVID-19

countrysideGuidance for members of the public (including metal-detectorists) searching for archaeological finds in England during the COVID-19 pandemic published.

image: for illustration purposes only – Open Government Licence v3.0

DCMS writes:

As of 13 May 2020, you are able to spend unlimited time outdoors as long as social distancing is still practised. If you choose to leave your home to search for archaeological finds, including metal-detectorists, field-walkers and people searching the Thames foreshore (mudlarking), you must follow this advice.

This guidance applies to those living and searching in England following the change in restrictions introduced from 13 May 2020. This guidance is designed to help individuals search safely while also continuing to be alert to the safety of others. It provides steps to ensure you are able to:

  • safely social distance while searching for archaeological finds
  • fulfil your legal obligations under the Treasure Act 1996
  • ensure your discoveries can be recorded and contribute to archaeological knowledge
  • ensure the protection and preservation of archaeology

This guidance has been written with advice from the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme on how to report your finds and to protect in situ archaeology.

Read more and view the guidance

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