Focus on Metal Detecting: Unaware of the Legal Status of the Land

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Tony Burcombe, 30, and Lara Sparrow, 37, were artefact hunting in an area near to the windmill on Wimbledon Common, with their metal detectors: "Mr Burcombe and his sister said they were unaware of the [legislation] which prevented them from metal detecting on common land". One supposes he might have added, "We've had 40 people partnering, liaising and educating us but it's early days, you can't expect us to understand words and that". Together with Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common, Wimbledon Common is legally protected from being enclosed or built upon (by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871). The area is reserved for the benefit of the general public for informal recreation and the preservation of natural flora and fauna. Most of the Commons are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation which is an important European designation. Lauren May, 'Explosive find for Wimbledon treasure hunters', thisislocallondon.co.uk 29th March 2012

Vignette: A metal detectorist all togged-up (This is Local London).