Section 42 Consent for Metal Detecting

Section 42 consent is required for the use of any equipment capable of detecting metal on scheduled monuments.  This includes metal detectors, magnetometry/gradiometer surveys and ground penetrating radar.  

Section 42 consent will normally be granted for geophysical surveys.  For metal detecting surveys, Section 42 consent will normally only be granted where the survey forms part of a wider research strategy, and provision is made for the conservation and reporting of finds.  In all cases, the applicant should include evidence that the site owner is aware of the proposed survey and is content for the works to proceed.   

Any application for section 42 consent should be accompanied by:

• Details of the survey methodology
• A plan showing the proposed survey area
• Confirmation you permission from the land owner to undertake the survey

In addition, for applications for metal detecting the following information should be provided:

• A detailed research strategy which outlines how the metal detecting survey will contribute to the wider aims of the research project
• An outline of the provision for finds  and conservation and analysis
• Confirmation that you will declare all finds to Treasure Trove.

eApplication Form

S42 Metal Detecting e-Application Form [Word, 790kb]

PDF Application Forms and Guidance Notes

S42 Metal Detecting Application Form [pdf, 58kb]
S42 Metal Detecting Application Form Guidance Notes [pdf, 45kb]
Metal Detecting Leaflet Yes or No? [pdf, 4.4mb]
Metal Detecting Leaflet (Gaelic) [pdf, 1.9mb]