Are you brand new to the world of metal detecting? Peek through the door and you will discover what a fascinating world it can be.
As hobbies
go, there aren’t many which can combine exercise, fresh air and the potential
to find incredible treasure. Metal detectorists are from all ages and all walks
of life, but there are undoubtedly traits that they all have in common. Perhaps
if you are a seasoned detectorist and you have stumbled upon this blog, you
will see some traits in yourself too.
Optimism
Here at
Crawfords, we are all detectorists and we are all optimists. When it comes to
metal detecting, this is something that you simply have to be. As much as we
would all like to find priceless artefacts every time we head out, that is not
the case. Some days all you will find is rubbish, and that is just part of the
journey. Metal detecting can be profitable, but the profit is driven by
research, dedication and just a little bit of luck. And that’s not including
the time you spend combing your local area!
Perseverance
Optimism and
perseverance go hand in hand. You might be trawling the same beach or field for
a number of hours without finding anything. Other days you could find something
within the first 10 minutes! It’s all about playing the long game.
Patience
Metal detecting is truly an exercise in patience. Sometimes it will feel like the world is against you, as areas get overgrown or you’re getting buffeted by howling wind and pouring rain. But then there will be rare moments when you pull something out of the ground that fascinates you, and that is what we are all searching for.
Open mindedness
Metal
detecting can be all about trying new things. It’s great to be able to comb the
same area again and again, to unearth new treasures. You might be surprised
that many detectorists search the same area multiple times. It’s possible to
miss things, and then year-after-year the soil could be turned over, or the
daily tide that changes the landscape, and a new machine excites yet another
pass at a piece of land. So, returning to the same place and having another
good search often yields good results and maybe helps with the concept that
you’ve actually had a, ’good look’. (this additional copy would fit in a few
different paragraphs – pleas place where you think appropriate). It’s also
fantastic to go to new places with an open mind, to see what you might find!
Detecting is a fantastic way to meet new people too, and you’ll make more
friends with an open mind
Inquisitive
If you’re
thinking about starting detecting, you’re probably someone who is curious about
the world, history, or your local area. Metal detecting not only allows you to
find exciting objects, but also more about the world around you. It is a great
opportunity to learn about local history, and discover things you might not
have known otherwise. You will be pleasantly surprised at the welcoming and
sharing nature of the detecting community. Detectorists are typically keen to
share their knowledge of history and equipment and it is common for total
strangers to be engaging in great conversations about what items are, how they
were used and about their experiences out in the field with their detectors.
Considerate
When you are
out detecting, you are an ambassador of the hobby. This means you should be
careful and considerate of the world and others around you. For example, if you
dig any holes be sure to fill them back in. Always be aware of your
surroundings and avoid coming to close to other people (this can interfere with
their machine (and yours)), even when you are concentrating. There is a full
Code of Conduct on the NCMD website - take a look here.
So there we
have it! If you’re a detectorist, do you recognise any of those traits in
yourself? If you’re a newbie, do you think you have any? We want everyone to
enjoy metal detecting as much as we do here at Crawfords. If you need some
advice on any aspect, whether you’re looking to buy a new machine or want to
know more about different brands, get in touch with our friendly team here.
FAQs
What kit do I need if I’m starting
out metal detecting?
There are a
couple of basic things you will need if you’re just starting out on your metal
detecting journey. First things first, a decent quality metal detector - take a
look at our beginners metal detector selection here. We would also suggest a pair of
headphones, a scoop or a shovel and a bag to put all your finds in. If you’re
thinking of detecting at your local beach, take a look at our ultimate
guide to beach detecting to find out everything you need.
How do I find metal detecting clubs near me?
Metal detecting can be even more fun if you do it with others! There are metal detecting clubs up and down the country, in every county in the UK. It’s a great way to meet like minded people and make new friends. You can find a club directory and lots of other useful information on the National Council for Metal Detecting website.
Where’s the best place to go metal detecting?
How long is
a piece of string? There are so many places to go metal detecting in the UK,
from beaches to parks, rivers and lakes and everything in between. Just be sure
to check before you go whether you’re allowed, as there are rules about metal
detecting on certain sites. Useful resources include The Crown Estate and the UK Government website.