Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club

We are the Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club, where we bring together metal detectorists from across the Teignbridge and South Hams area to share our passion for uncovering hidden treasures!

A metal detectorist on the beach with a metal detector and a sand shovel

Uncovering the Hidden Treasures of The South West

The Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club is a vibrant and diverse group of metal detectorists from all walks of life. From a Policeman to a Restaurant Owner, a Radio Ham to a Clergyman, this friendly group of hobbyists has been bringing together people from the Teignbridge area of South Devon since 2013.

Not only do we abide by the Guidelines laid down by the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Countryside Code, but we also hold Public Liability Cover to ensure the safety of all members.

Unlock the Mysteries of Your Land – Invite the Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club for a Club Dig!

Are you a landowner with a curiosity about the history of your property?

Let us help you uncover the secrets of the past with a club dig. Contact Us to get started on the voyage of discovery

Our experienced metal detectorists are passionate about discovering the hidden stories of the land and will always conduct thorough research before visiting a site. This includes examining old maps, studying National Heritage data, satellite imagery and relevant printed material.

We understand the importance of protecting your property and will always adhere to the Metal Detecting Code of Practice.

All our members are fully insured for public liability, and a short landowners agreement form will be signed in advance of any site visit, detailing the way any significant finds should be dealt with (normally 50:50 split).

Unlock the mysteries of your land with the Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club and join us on a journey of discovery.

Metal Detectorist in camouflage gear Bending Over

The landowner of a site we recently visited for a Club Dig

“I recently invited the Club to come and explore my land. I was amazed at the professionalism and enthusiasm of the members. They were very respectful of my property and took great care to ensure that the area was left in the same condition as when they arrived.
The club members were also very knowledgeable and were able to answer the questions I had. I was delighted to find out that they had uncovered some interesting artefacts from my land.”

Metal detecting is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby that gets you out in the fresh air

As a beginner It all depends on the budget you have available, and your willingness to risk investing in a hobby that you may not be for you. A good entry machine will cost in the range of £150 to £250, cheaper if bought second-hand. The monthly metal detecting magazines are full of stories where beginners with entry-level machines have found important finds. They will do a very great job of getting you started and giving you the experience to upgrade wisely later if you wish.

Over the last few years there has been an improvement in metal detecting technology with the advent of Simultaneous Multi-frequency (SMF) machines which seems to have improved identification and detection depths over the older single-frequency-at-a-time machines. Many entry-level machines now incorporate SMF.

If you have a larger budget, then you could spend anywhere up to £2000. Some of the best performing machines can be found between £800 to £1500 and are designed to be successfully used by beginners. They are packed with advanced variable settings so the best approach is to initially keep to the standard settings, then once that has been mastered only adjusting one variable at a time.  

In choosing your machine you need to decide where you will be detecting. Different machines have their strengths and weaknesses regarding beaches, the sea and land. Some are fully waterproof; some have specific modes for wet and dry sand and salty conditions. Others may be better in differentiating good targets within trashy iron areas. In the UK it is extremely unlikely that you will need a specialist gold prospecting machine designed to detect tiny gold nuggets.

The club has forty members with a wide range of experience and machines, who are happy to provide further advice.

Our members upgrade their detectors as budgets allow and skills progress and we buy and sell equipment. Check out our For Sale/Swap page on our forum

The important point is to only metal detect where you have the landowner’s permission, anything taken away without landowners permission is theft. Regardless of permission it is illegal to detect on protected sites, such as those defined as Scheduled Monuments, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or military crash sites, and those involving human remains.

If you are new to metal detecting and do not yet have any permissions read more…

Using a metal detector effectively requires practice, patience, and an understanding of your equipment. Here are some tips to get you started:

Understand Your Machine: Read the manual and familiarize yourself with the detector’s settings, such as sensitivity, discrimination, and ground balance.
Practice Proper Sweeping Technique: Keep the detector’s coil close to the ground and move it in slow, overlapping arcs to avoid missing any targets.
Research Before You Search: Use maps, historical records, and satellite imagery to identify promising locations.
Carry the Right Tools: A small shovel, a pinpointer, gloves, and a finds pouch will make your detecting experience smoother.
Respect the Code of Practice: Always seek permission from landowners and follow ethical guidelines to protect the environment and respect historical sites.

Our club members are always happy to offer advice, so feel free to reach out or join one of our Club Digs to improve your skills!

If you discover an item of potential historical significance, follow these steps:

Record the Find Spot: Note the exact location of the discovery, as this is critical for historical context. Use GPS or mark the area on a map.
Handle with Care: Avoid cleaning or altering the object to preserve its integrity.
Report the Find: Notify the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) or your local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO). They will guide you through the process of recording and identifying the item.
Follow Legal Requirements: In the UK, certain items, such as treasure, must be reported under the Treasure Act 1996.

Our club adheres to all legal and ethical guidelines, and we encourage our members to share their finds responsibly.

The rules for metal detecting in the UK are clear and essential to follow:

Seek Permission: Always obtain written consent from the landowner before detecting on their property.
Avoid Protected Sites: It is illegal to detect on Scheduled Monuments, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), military crash sites, or areas with human remains.
Follow the Treasure Act 1996: Items classified as treasure must be reported to the local coroner within 14 days.
Respect the Countryside Code: Leave no trace, avoid disturbing wildlife, and backfill any holes you dig.

The Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club ensures all members are aware of and follow these guidelines to protect our shared heritage.

Metal detecting can uncover a wide range of items, including:

Coins: Roman, medieval, and more recent currency.
Artefacts: Buckles, brooches, tools, and everyday items from historical periods.
Jewellery: Rings, necklaces, and other precious items.
Military Relics: Buttons, badges, and ammunition from past conflicts.
Modern Finds: Lost keys, watches, or other personal items.

Every find tells a story, and even small discoveries can hold significant historical value. Join us to uncover the hidden treasures of South Devon!

Safety is key when metal detecting. Here are some precautions to follow:

Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy footwear, gloves, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for uneven terrain, livestock, and other hazards.
Carry Essentials: Bring water, a first aid kit, and a charged mobile phone.
Avoid Lone Detecting: If possible, detect with a buddy or inform someone of your location and expected return time.
Understand Local Risks: Be cautious near cliffs, water, or in areas with potential unexploded ordnance.

Our club outings prioritize safety, and experienced members are always available to guide newcomers.

Please contact us

A selection of previous finds

Over the years, members of the Newton Abbot District Metal Detecting Club have uncovered an incredible variety of artefacts, each with its own unique story to tell. From ancient coins to fascinating relics, our discoveries provide a glimpse into the rich history of South Devon and beyond. Here are just some examples of the kinds of treasures unearthed by our club:

  • Roman Coins: Beautifully preserved coins dating back nearly 2,000 years, offering a tangible connection to the Roman Empire’s influence in the South West.
  • Medieval Artefacts: Buckles, brooches, and everyday tools that reveal how people lived and worked in the Middle Ages.
  • Military Relics: Buttons, badges, and ammunition from various conflicts, including World War II, found on historically significant sites.
  • Jewellery and Personal Items: Rings, pendants, and other personal belongings lost long ago, many of which hold sentimental and historical value.
  • Agricultural Tools: Pieces of equipment used by farmers centuries ago, helping to paint a picture of rural life in Devon’s past.

Lost Property:
Free Rescue Service

It is not just old metal we search for

If you’ve lost a precious piece of jewellery, such as a gold ring, earring or necklace, in the South Devon area, we may be able to help.

Our members are happy to travel to the loss site and use their metal detectors to try and recover your item(s). We don’t charge for this service, but if our members have to travel a long way, we’d be grateful if you could reimburse their travel costs.

We won’t enter into any contracts, but we’ll do our best to recover your items and return them directly to you.

If you’d like to take advantage of this service, please use the contact us link and fill in the details. We’d be grateful if you’d like to make a donation to our club after using this service, but please don’t feel obligated to do so. We’re here to help, and this is a free service.

Contact Us so that we can help you.

Read more testimonials from happy landowners

Kimberly

Bovey Tracey

“The Club approached me and asked if they could explore my land, and I said yes.

The members were incredibly thorough, ensuring that every hole they dug was carefully refilled, leaving the land exactly as they found it.

Their enthusiasm and knowledge were also remarkable. They explained the process every step of the way and even shared some fascinating historical insights about the area.

They found several old coins and a beautifully preserved medieval buckle, which I never would have imagined were lying beneath the surface of my fields! I’m so thrilled to have learned more about the history of my land, and I would happily recommend the club to any other landowner curious about their property’s hidden past.“

Richard

Chagford

“The guys were a pleasure to have on my land. They were professional, respectful, and left everything exactly as they found it.

I was fascinated by their discoveries, including a Roman coin and part of an old decorative belt fitting.“

Howard

Totnes

“They treated my land with care and respect, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

They uncovered some fascinating items, including a medieval buckle, and shared interesting insights about the history of the area. I’d happily recommend them to other landowners.“