Metal detecting fib foiled at last!

Ad nauseam, for decades, hundreds of press reports have said: “the great majority of detectorists are responsible”. Well, this week the largest detecting forum has run a poll:

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So only 43.5% say they do. Imagine the knowledge loss that implies! But at least the false narrative has been nailed at last – by detectorists! Here are just a few of the people who should take note, and desist:

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Michael Lewis, Head of PAS: “most metal detectorists are responsible“
Steve Critchley, NCMD: “the vast majority of metal detectorists are responsible“
Jill Chitty, CBA Head of Conservation: “The vast majority of metal detectorists are very responsible“
Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime, Historic England: “The majority of the metal detecting community comply with the rules“
Jane Harrison, Country Land and Business Association: “the majority of metal detectorists are compliant with their code“
National Trust policy statement: “most metal detectorists report their finds“
Norman Smith, Rally Organiser: “Most metal detectorists record their finds“

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Let’s hope they and the press will now stop misinforming farmers, taxpayers, stakeholders and legislators.

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More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
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