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Metal detecting permission letter and agreement

Fill in the details and print a polite letter asking a landowner for permission, and a simple agreement you can both sign, covering conditions and how finds are shared.

A plain-English template, not legal advice. Everything stays in your browser.

You
The land
The agreement

The letter

Dear landowner,

I'm a metal detectorist, and I'm writing to ask whether you would let me detect on your land.

I detect responsibly. I fill in every hole and leave the ground as I found it, close gates, keep clear of crops and livestock, and follow any conditions you'd like to set.

I'd suggest we share the value of any finds, 50% to you, and I'm happy to put that in writing. I keep findspots private.

I'd be glad to show you what I find, and to give you a list at the end of each season. If you're happy to give permission, I've included a short agreement we can both sign.

Thank you for considering it.

Yours sincerely,
Your name

The agreement

Permission to metal detect

Landowner: …
Land: …
Detectorist: …

  1. The landowner allows the detectorist to search the land above with a metal detector until either of them ends this agreement.
  2. The detectorist will fill in every hole, close gates, keep clear of growing crops and livestock, and never detect on a scheduled monument or other protected site. Also:
    • If a find is sold, or a reward is paid for it, the value will be shared 50% to the landowner and 50% to the detectorist.
    • The detectorist will keep a record of what was found and where, give the landowner a list of finds on request, and won't share findspots without the landowner's agreement, except with the people the law or the recording scheme requires.
    • Either of them may end this agreement at any time by telling the other.

    Landowner: ______________________ Date: ________

    Detectorist: _____________________ Date: ________

    Asking for permission

    Most permissions start with a conversation, at the farm gate or after church, not with a letter. A short, polite letter helps when you can't find the landowner in person, and it gives them something to think over. Offer to show them your finds and to fill every hole, and be ready to take no for an answer.

    Once they agree, write it down. An agreement made in good times avoids arguments if something valuable turns up, and in England and Wales the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting recommends one.

    Questions

    Do I need written permission to metal detect?

    You always need the landowner's permission. Written permission is strongly recommended: it shows you were allowed on the land, and it settles in advance how finds and any reward will be shared. In England and Wales the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting advises an agreement in writing.

    How should finds be shared with the landowner?

    In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, finds normally belong to the landowner, but Treasure belongs to the Crown, and any Treasure reward is normally split equally between finder and landowner. In Scotland finds belong to neither of you and only the finder receives a reward, so agree how you'll share it. Many detectorists offer an even split of anything sold or any reward; whatever you agree, write it down.

    Is this agreement legally binding?

    It's a plain-English record of what you've agreed, signed by both of you. It isn't legal advice, and it may not cover every situation: for valuable finds or complicated land, take advice from a solicitor or your detecting association.

    What should I include in conditions?

    Anything the landowner cares about: when you may come (for example after harvest until drilling), where to park, gates, livestock, crops, areas to avoid, and whether to let them know before each visit.