3rd December 2005, 02:44 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Steve-B
I know there have been calls for licencing of the hobby, I personally do not think that nay external licencing will solve any of the issues, it will just drive metal detecting underground...
There is an alternative to licensing detectorists and that is to licence the site.
I believe this works on the Thames foreshore where the PLA has complete discretion as to whom is allowed to detect. The same could be applied to sensitive sites where a local planning authority or national heritage body could grant or withold permission for detectorists to operate. I believe that archaeologists have in turn a responsibility to reciprocate responsible behaviour by the MD fraternity by creating ways in which detectorists can be integrated into archaeological projects at every level from evaluation through to full excavation and including watching briefs. This could be made a compulsory part of the curatorial brief.