Battlefields Trust: Statement on metal detecting

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In the UK, the Battlefields Trust has issued a 'Statement on metal detecting' (Artefact hunting)

The Battlefields Trust is supportive of archaeological metal detecting on nationally important battlefields and their periphery provided it is conducted to current standards of best practice within the framework of an archaeological survey. Ad hoc metal detecting, whether or not recording is undertaken, can cause the loss of evidence. It thus jeopardises future advances in understanding of the nature of the fighting that can be gained from systematic archaeological survey by distorting the surviving distribution pattern. [...] For those who are planning to metal detect on unknown sites of conflict, the Trust endorses the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting produced by the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Anything else is considered destructive of the fragile evidence these sites contain, even (especially) in the topsoil. To view the full Battlefields Trust statement on metal detecting, follow the link below: http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/page94.asp