27th December 2005, 11:26 AM
Are folks aware for the new higher / entry level stewardship (HLS & ELS) schemes which are currently being applied for by landowners/farmers. These schemes amongst other things do also offer some protection for archaeology; and originally no metal detecting was permitted on the land entered into these schemes (DEFRA are expecting about 95% of all land in britian to be entered).
I understand that PAS was VERY concerned about the effect that this would have on metal detecting... ie. by sending it underground (please forgive the pun), and therefore PAS and DEFRA have been negoiating a compromise which would require a contract between landowner/farmer, the metal detector and DEFRA as to which land was detected on, and that all finds to be recorded. There was even a suggestion that 'known' archaeological sites are not to be detected on, but I forget if this is current.
If the landowner/farmer allows a detectorist onto his land (which is entered into the scheme) without a permit, then he would be in breach of his agreement with DEFRA, and would have to give back all his ELS/HLS subsidies.
As far as I'm aware the draft agreement is currently with DEFRA, but obviously the whole HLS / ELS shemes will have implications for the detecting community.
I understand that PAS was VERY concerned about the effect that this would have on metal detecting... ie. by sending it underground (please forgive the pun), and therefore PAS and DEFRA have been negoiating a compromise which would require a contract between landowner/farmer, the metal detector and DEFRA as to which land was detected on, and that all finds to be recorded. There was even a suggestion that 'known' archaeological sites are not to be detected on, but I forget if this is current.
If the landowner/farmer allows a detectorist onto his land (which is entered into the scheme) without a permit, then he would be in breach of his agreement with DEFRA, and would have to give back all his ELS/HLS subsidies.
As far as I'm aware the draft agreement is currently with DEFRA, but obviously the whole HLS / ELS shemes will have implications for the detecting community.