Ethics

Club Ethics

The Club is a member of the Midland Region Council and the National Council for Metal Detecting. All members are fully covered for Public Liability Insurance. All members observe the code of practice as laid down in the Treasure Act of 1996.
Access to land is never made without prior permission of the land owner on each and every occasion.
As responsible detectorists, members will share the proceeds from any specially valuable finds equally with the farmer or landowner as required by the Treasure act of 1996. However, it should be said that such finds are extremely rare but it is equally satisfying to find simple historical objects such as buckles and harness fittings whilst enjoying a pleasant outing in the fresh air!
Hinckley Search Society members observe the code of conduct as stated by the National Council for Metal Detecting. 1. Do not trespass. Obtain permission before venturing on to any land. 2. Respect the Country Code. Do not leave gates open, and do not damage crops or frighten animals. 3. Wherever the site, do not leave a mess or an unsafe surface for those who may follow. It is perfectly simple to extract a coin or other small object buried a few inches below the ground without digging a great hole. Use a suitable digging implement to cut a neat flap (do not remove the plug of earth entirely from the ground), extract the object, reinstate the grass, sand or soil carefully, and even you will have difficulty in locating the find spot again. 4. If you discover any live ammunition or any lethal object such as an unexploded bomb or mine, do not disturb it. Mark the site carefully and report the find to the local police and landowner. 5. Help keep Britain tidy. Safely dispose of refuse you come across. 6. Report all unusual historical finds to the landowner, and acquaint yourself with current NCMD policy relating to the Voluntary Reporting of Portable Antiquities. 7. Remember it is illegal for anyone to use a metal detector on a protected area (e.g. scheduled archaeological site, SSSI, or Ministry of Defence property) without permission from the appropriate authority. 8. Acquaint yourself with the definitions of Treasure contained in the Treasure Act 1996 and its associated Code of Practice, making sure you understand your responsibilities. 9. Remember that when you are out with your metal detector you are an ambassador for our hobby. Do nothing that might give it a bad name. 10. Never miss an opportunity to explain your hobby to anyone who asks about it.