metal detecitng

iammumtoone

does anyone go metal detecting with kids?

I know nothing about it but ds has asked for one for his birthday (he will be seven). I am happy to buy him one as it seems like a fun activity he could do which doesn't involve a computer screen. I don't want to spend much on one as I am sure it will just be a fad but want something that works and isn't a toy.

We live near a beach and I believe that it is ok to go detecting on beaches? Is this correct as I never see anyone detecting on our local beach, I am assuming its just not very popular round here.

Any advise or recommendations anyone could give regarding this I would be grateful. I am not expecting to find anything valuable but it is possible we would find anything at all or would I have to plant some 'treasure'?

Gloomendoom

I used to plant 'treasure' when I was a younger.

In cow pats. Great fun... if you are 11.

meritaten

google to find your local metal detecting club. I am sure they will be delighted to welcome new members! but will also be able to answer questions about whether you can just turn up and search local beaches - I know some you do need to apply for a permit for. There are specific rules for where you can search and what 'finds' you can keep and which have to be (by law) turned over to 'The Crown'. there is also lots of info online.

it can be a fascinating hobby, and can generate a real love of History. so good luck to your little one!
(and yes, do 'salt' the garden with treasure in advance of his birthday!)

stebiz

iammumtoone wrote: »

does anyone go metal detecting with kids?

I know nothing about it but ds has asked for one for his birthday (he will be seven). I am happy to buy him one as it seems like a fun activity he could do which doesn't involve a computer screen. I don't want to spend much on one as I am sure it will just be a fad but want something that works and isn't a toy.

We live near a beach and I believe that it is ok to go detecting on beaches? Is this correct as I never see anyone detecting on our local beach, I am assuming its just not very popular round here.

Any advise or recommendations anyone could give regarding this I would be grateful. I am not expecting to find anything valuable but it is possible we would find anything at all or would I have to plant some 'treasure'?

As somebody who has been detecting for 33 years and found all kinds from Celtic, Roman, Saxon, Gold, Silver etc I can say it is an interesting hobby. I started at 11.

As for the beach. No you can't. There are different licences - usually free.

http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/coastal/metal-detecting/metal-detecting-permit-application/

If you want to pop by our forum and ask anything feel free. Just PM me.

Gigervamp

When I was a kid, my mum and dad used to do metal detecting. When on holiday, Dad used to go down to the beach in the early morning and find our pocket money for the day! He said the best areas were where there were deckchairs, as the change in mens pockets would roll out and into the sand.

As a child, I found it quite interesting, especially when my parents found things like gold Roman pins.