Adventure Group – Metal detecting
Adventure group members asked for a metal detecting session and here it is. Led by Clive Hammett, an experienced detectorist and archaeologist, we can look forward to a comprehensive taster session for those new to metal detecting.
Here are the full details.
| Nature of activity | Metal detecting taster session for beginners. |
| Name of u3a organiser and organiser’s contact details | Miggie, email via: adventure@u3a.dawlish.info |
| Location of activity | Bickington, Devon |
| Date and start time | Wednesday 22nd April 12:10pm |
| Duration | Approximately three hours |
| Meeting point | Directions to the meeting point will be emailed to participants nearer the time.
Please be there no later than 12 noon. |
| Cost | £30 per person for up to eight participants.
This figure includes guest membership of Teignbridge Archaeological Society to ensure we have the appropriate specialist insurance cover. Please note: I will need to give participants’ names to the provider to get the membership and insurance. This is a condition of attendance. |
| Cost includes | The course is intended for complete beginners who wish to gain some insight into responsible metal detecting. It combines a hands-on practical session, where attendees in groups of four work together and take it in turns to detect and retrieve finds. This is coupled with background information on the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the Treasure Act, and how to report finds. How a metal detector works and the relevant setting are explained, demonstrated, and you get to practice before being let loose to discover some finds. By the end of the course attendees will probably have discovered something, and will know how to detect, dig and report the finds they discover.
All necessary equipment is provided. |
| Further information | The course will be run by Clive Hammett BSc., MSc. Experimental Archaeology, who is both an experienced detectorist and archaeologist, having appeared on TimeTeam, is a co-finder of the Okehampton Hamlets hoard, and researcher with the University of Exeter. He is the author of the BAJR 63 Guide, Metal Detecting in Archaeology: Techniques and Strategies, that provides a comprehensive standard on how to utilise metal detecting in archaeology. This taster course is a variation of the course given to 150+ students, over four years on the University of Exeter archaeological field schools and the Teignbridge Archaeological Society. |
| Deadline for commitment | This adventure is currently fully booked.
If you would like to join the waiting list please contact Miggie. |
| How and when to pay | If you have been notified that you have a place on this adventure, please pay the full amount to D&D u3a by Saturday 28th March (bank details below).
D&D bank details are as follows: Name of bank: NatWest Please note, it is really important that you add the reference so our Treasurer knows what the funds are for. Cheque payments: |
| Cancellation policy | After 28th March no refunds will be possible unless another Dawlish & District member can be found to take your place.
If you need to cancel then please notify Miggie as soon as possible because we have a waiting list of interested adventurers. |
| Procedure for notifying group if provider cancels | In the event of cancellation I will send an email to all those who have booked and update the details on the website.
Please check the website before you leave in case of last minute cancellation. |
| Level of fitness required or any particular skills (you must satisfy yourself that you are physically able to participate in the activity). | The location is on the top of a beautiful hill in Bickington, Devon overlooking Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. Accessing the site involves a 20 minute walk up a steep grassy hill so please do not sign up for this if you have any doubts about your physical capability. |
| Personal medical conditions | If you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to participate in the activity then you should declare this to the instructor on arrival. |
| Disclaimer | Please note that whilst the u3a organisers are concerned for everyone’s welfare, by taking part in this activity you should recognise that your safety is your own responsibility. |
| Appropriate footwear & clothing | Attendees will need to come prepared with warm clothing as it can be cold and windy near Dartmoor in April, (or it can be blue clear skies). Please wear stout footwear, suitable for rough fields. Ideally without a steel toecap as that can make metal detecting more challenging!
It is recommended that participants bring their own thin detecting/gardening gloves. |
| Storage of personal belongings | Please leave valuables at home. There is no security at the parking location and the organisers offer no responsibility for the safety of cars or possessions. |
| Toilet / refreshment facilities | The location is rural so toilet facilities are limited. In an emergency, there is a chance that the landowner will oblige.
Given the timing of this adventure, it is recommended that participants either eat beforehand or bring their own picnic lunch. Time will be allowed within the session for us to eat this. Tea and coffee will be made available for us. |
| Public transport and car parking facilities | Cars will be left a short distance from the metal detecting site and a shuttle service will be provided for us. Parking is limited and we encourage car sharing if possible. Please let Miggie know if you can offer or need a lift. |
| Risk assessment | A risk assessment has been conducted for this activity. It is important that you read this. Please find it here.
Teignbridge Archaeological Society’s risk assessment is available here. Any questions? Just get in touch via email: adventure@u3a.dawlish.info. |
Last updated 15/03/2026