About Metal Detecting and Archaeologists.

Most metal detectorists are responsible people with a deep interest in the past, many of whom belong to clubs.

Archaeologists have built up a good working relationship with clubs, particularly the finds liaison officers in the national Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), who work regionally and encourage the reporting and accurate recording of finds and find spots.

Through initiatives like the PAS, thousands of finds have been recorded which otherwise may have been lost to archaeological research. Archaeologists have been able to respond positively to discoveries and mount investigative fieldwork at find-spots, which often produces extremely good information on historical use..

The Oxford Blues Metal Detecting Club has a very good working relationship with our local Finds Liaison Officer Anni Byard, Anni attends as many monthly club meetings as her busy work schedule allows and is always ready to help. Anni records our finds on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database ensuring that records of finds are accurate and consistant.

 

 

Items like this Roman Dolphin Brooch would probably end up lost of destroyed if it had not been rescued by a metal detectorist. The chances of it remaining intact in the ground for a further two thousand years is fairly slim.