Towards a Cooperative Approach to Hobby Metal Detecting: The European Public Finds Recording Network (EPFRN) Vision Statement

Abstract

Hobby metal detecting is a controversial subject. Legal and policy approaches differ widely across national and regional contexts, and the attitudes of archaeologists and heritage professionals towards detectorists are often polarized and based on ethical or emotive arguments. We, the European Public Finds Recording Network (EPFRN), have implemented collaborative approaches towards detectorist communities in our respective contexts (Denmark, England and Wales, Finland, Flanders, and the Netherlands). Although our motivations are affected by our national circumstances, we base our work on an agreed set of goals, practices, and visions. This article presents the EPFRN's vision statement and provides insight into its underlying thoughts. We hope to create a debate on how to develop best practice approaches that acknowledge the inherent challenges of hobby metal detecting while realizing its potential.

Archaeology's awkward allies

“…In many cases, the debate has become polarised between tolerance and prohibition. European archaeologists are a long way from reaching a consensus akin to the SAA's formal recommendations, even if several professional bodies have recently proposed comparable statements (Scherzler & Siegmund 2016; Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed 2016; Dobat et al 2020).…”

The dangers of conflating responsible and responsive artefact stewardship with illicit and illegal collecting

“…(Society for American Archaeology n.d.: 2)In Europe, a new European Public Finds Recording Network is being created to coordinate the efforts of those who, while aware of the challenges associated with hobbyist metal-detecting and other non-professional interventions with the physical remains, nonetheless recognise its potential for contributing to knowledge production (Dobat et al . 2020).…”

Artefact collecting: creating or destroying the archaeological record?

“…In the countries with a liberal approach, many heritage professionals support the rights of collectors of portable antiquities. There is a strong lobby of archaeologists who not only seem unconcerned about the erosion of the accessible archaeological record due to activities like "metal detecting", but who profess the view that collection-driven exploitation of the archaeological record is a legitimate form of public engagement with the past (Deckers et al, 2018;Dobat et al, 2020). These archaeologists argue that, when done in what they call "a responsible way" (sic!…”

“…In several other regions, in certain circles of the USA, England and Wales, Scotland, Belgium (Flanders), The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Finland, there is a liberal approach to artefact collecting by members of the public. There it is seen as a meaningful social practice, a means 40 allowing the public to engage with the past, a form of "archaeology for all" (Hart, Chilton, 2014;Dobat et al, 2020). These differences in approach are embedded in the legislation and also the public dialogue between archaeology and the general public in these two regions.…”