Metal detecting rallies
Middle Ground Archaeology
In recent years, metal detecting rallies have become big business. While many archaeologists would like to see them banned, the truth is that it would take a change in the law to do so. While there are rally organisers who give little regard to ensuring Treasure items are reported or other artefacts recorded, the groups who do take their responsibilities to the archaeological record seriously should be recognised and supported. Middle Ground Archaeology was set up to facilitate the on-site recording of artefacts found by rally attendees at Detectival events. Read more below.
Mission
Rallies are going to happen. Middle Ground Archaeology (MGA) is a pragmatic approach to ensure as much information as possible is recorded at detecting rallies. The truth is that few finds are recorded with FLOs after an event, despite encouragement from organisers. Data proves that having an on-site recording team makes all the difference - 75% of rally finds recorded with the PAS are there because there was on-site recording. On-site recording to capture as much information as possible can literally change the known history of an area overnight - I've given an example below.
By working with rally organisers and a team of like-minded finds specialists and local volunteers, MGA is the practical and pragmatic solution to rally recording.
Purpose
The PAS used to attend rallies to record but haven't for many years now. Rallies are labour intensive both during and after the event, and come at a cost. Some see PAS attendance at such events as an endorsement and refuse to engage, yet complain when little is recorded after the event and use this to claim all rallies are irresponsible; this is a circular argument and offers no solutions.
For nearly two decades I have engaged with rally organisers to build relationships and facilitate finds recording. Some aren't receptive, but some, like the Metal Detectives and Detectival are. You might be suprised to learn that a number of organisers would like to see rallies licensed, and finders prefer rallies that are well organised and responsible. As archaeologists I feel it is our responsibility to build and foster these relationships to encourage recording and best practice.
You can only do that if you turn up.
MGA works with the rally organisers to provide on-site identification and recording. This data is then offered to either the PAS or the HER. We liaise with the County Archaeologist and HER to conduct background checks on the land to be searched to ensure protected or sensitive areas are identified and avoided. We also provide rapid response for in situ archaeological discoveries, conducting excavation and recording, block-lifting hoards or liaising with local archaeologists should further exploration and excavation be required after the event.
If you are the organiser of large detecting rallies and would like more information about the services MGA offer and our pricing, please email us at:
info@middlegroundarchaeology.co.uk
If you share our vision and approach and are an archaeologist, metal finds specialist (including detectorist), archaeology student or member of a local history group and would like to be involved at a future event, or just have a question, please email us at the address above.
You can find more about rallies over on the blog page
Before (red diamonds = HER finds records)
After
These maps show the difference recording at rallies can make to a parish's history. The data on the right was collected at two Weekend Wanderer rallies near Wantage in Oxfordshire in 2009 and 2010. In total, 1100 finds were recorded. Data was then added to the PAS database. These rallies provided the data for my MSc. in Landscape Archaeology.