Metal detecting on land owned or managed by Harlow Council is not permitted except where a metal detecting survey is part of an approved archaeological investigation.
Metal detecting on local authority land can cause significant damage to the environment and archaeological heritage if not carried out responsibly, including:
- damage to tree roots, plants and wildlife
- creating trip hazards for the public where land is disturbed and not correctly reinstated
- removal of artefacts from their original location with serious loss of information
- damage to related archaeological deposits
- partial recovery of assemblages which often neglects non-metal finds with a loss of information
- unreported discoveries leading to an accumulated loss of knowledge
Damaging council land is classed as vandalism and is an offence enforceable by the police under the Criminal Damages Act 1971.
Please report any unauthorised metal detecting by calling the Essex Police on 101.