UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR ENGLAND
The DCMS have now updated the guidance on searching for archaeology. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-on … g-covid-19
This is good news for those who have permissions local to them but know it won’t suit everyone. These have been carefully constructed to balance mental and physical health and the risks of transmission.
PLEASE DO NOT BREAK THESE RULES OR IT WILL RUIN IT FOR EVERYONE!
The key points to note are that you should only leave your home to go metal-detecting where you are confident that the activity you are engaging in can count as exercise and meets social contact rules.
You must only leave your home for exercise where reasonably necessary.
Exercise should be limited to once per day
You should not travel outside your local area, meaning your village or town, or part of a city.
Organised metal detecting is not allowed.
In terms of where this exercise can take place:
You can metal-detect on private land only if you are on your own or with members of your household.
If you choose to exercise with a person who is not in your household or bubble, you must only do so in a public outdoor place (a place to which the public generally have access).
If you intend to metal detect on private land or a public outdoor space you must obtain permission from the landowner and/or occupier before venturing onto any land. If you have previously had permission from a landowner and/or occupier, you should now check again that they are happy for you to continue to search on their land.