Detecting Courses and Concept

[BAJR Host]

Now a revolutionary concept in detecting....!

tried this out on the PAS forum and the UK detector Net forum...

http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/forum/vi...c&start=15

what are your thoughts...

I am prepared to be shot down in flames.. but pulling together lots of different threads, concepts, ideas, isues compromises, etc ... How about this.

at the moment Detectorists are only allowed to detect on certain areas. with the areas of CSS a grey area and known archaeological sites being out of bounds (or a grey area)

Here it is.....


Those detectorists who don't want to record (for whatever reason) can continue to their hearts content on the same amount of land they have just now.

Those that get a voluntary/free 'permit to detect' from the PAS are then allowed to work on CSS farms and also Council Land. because they have shown a commitment to record the finds in this area.

Thos who go on to take the (potential) course in detecting survey will also be allowed to work on archaeological sites within these areas as the standard of recorded data will be of great use, as well as being a great way of protecting sites that would (a) be attacked by thieves (b) run the risk of the artefacts in the topsoil being destroyed and therefore lost to us all.

So that way, those that don't want to record can continue, those that want to record can get onto previously unavailable land and those that want to work even more deeply can have access to known sites (and I could even suggest SAM sites)

--- It can all dovetail into practical events (like an archeo-detecting rally) and Continual Professional Development (CPDs) as well as being affiliated with an educational body. This would be good for everyone involved, as it would both break barriers and help training all round. Would expect the PAS and Scottish Treasure Trove would be interested in being involved too (he says hopefully!)

-----

Of course... this is just my mind playing with ideas.. so its pretty rough, and DEFRA, PAS, EH, etc have to agree as well.... but what do people think. ??

I have also posted this on the UKDN noticeboard and PAS to see the reaction...

badger (wide eyed and innocent)

Another day another WSI?

[Alfie]

The slience is deafening.Im a bit 50% 50% on this one. Thinking this through David and not wishing to start a bunfight, who would keep the finds?

[BAJR Host]

Cetainly had my hands full on the other forums!!

The finds would be subject to the present conditions of collection... as soemone so rightly expressed... the PAS only works cos the ammount of finds coming in is minimal. However.. as some one else said.... just how many roman coins do you need? surely the recording of the location and the type is enough.

It does open up a debate . but the finds are already sitting in peoples attics or .. gently degrading in the plough soil. If they are to be removed, I would prefer the understanding of the archaeological concepts of recording and understanding survey techniques, disgard policies and stratigraphy to be understood and carried out... (by detectorists, amatuers and even some archaeolgists)





Another day another WSI?

[Alfie]

Trying to think of something positive to respond with...how about a national investigation into archaeology in the ploughsoil, using this proposed scheme as a kind of field forum for the exchange of ideas, conferences etc.

[BAJR Host]

Will be conducting a major project in Midlothian, with detecting in advance of full excavtion on a road scheme, matching finds to sies and damage to teh monumnets by plough... other reports are availabel from Durham who excavated SAM sites in East Lothian to look at damage by plough... v interesting.



Another day another WSI?

[muddyandcold]

Control of Md's! It is a complex problem, and one that has been long debated. I remember years ago discussing this issue over many tea breaks. The solution was not that dissimilar, namely, that all MD users would have to be licenced, applied for in retrospect by existing users and by newcomers at the point they purchase thier machine. once in place and DC officer, policeman or eager archaeologist upon seeing a MD at play could ask to see their ID (wouldn't stop nighthawks)...

MD's have and do play a vital role in archaeology. Many sites would not have been found without them. Also God knows how many artefacts would not have been recovered without their use (usually from the spoil heap). The big problem I have found with MD's is their innate secrecy. They will happilly show you their finds, but when asked where they came from, silence. This code of silence even extends to their clubs and their fellow MDs. They are terrified of their sites being looted by their colleagues, or the site being sechduled.

They expect (quite rightly) to be acknowledged by the archaeological profession, but want to give very little in return.

A case in point is a MD turned archaeologist (and a very good one), and now a Finds Liason Officer. Dispite their position this individual still has a HUGE private collection (not conserved or properly recorded). They still detect, but with an increased knowledge Poacher turned GameKeeper ??

It's a thorny problem, and one that needs to be addressed. We need MDs but at what cost...