Metal-detecting rallies

The PAS does not provide advice for metal-detecting rally organisers

Large scale metal-detecting events (rallies) do not provide the ideal circumstances for Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) staff to record finds in the field, and can therefore result in the loss of much archaeological information, including information about the findspot.

Therefore finders attending such events should ensure they follow the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-detecting in England and Wales (2017) and record their finds retrospectively. Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) may attend rallies to promote best practice and may take in finds for recording later, but not (normally) to record finds in the field.