Finally Off the Mark with a Permission...

[Vdogs]

Hi to all, and apologies for the lack of contribution since membership in September 2023 where I fulfilled a many decades-held ambition of purchasing a detector. I naively thought finding somewhere to practice my new hobby would be a relatively straight forward process...how wrong was I.... After spending a few months on the local beaches, I soon realized that this was a very lucky dip, and I had no luck at all. Fast forward to this week, and my daughter-in-laws mother and father have downsized to a house on a farm outside Stapeley, Cheshire.

Unknown to me Liz had asked the farm owner for permission on my behalf, and he has agreed to allow me to work one of his fields. So, my question is, has anyone had any experience of working this area, and could impart some advice/information on local history etc? I live on the Wirral so not too familiar with the area, and, apart from musket balls, what else might I expect to find? I planned on going around the perimeter hedgerows first, then exploring the brook that runs along the bottom of the field before tackling the body of the field.

Apologies again for the lack of interaction, there was just nothing to report. However, after this kick-start, I intend to be more fully engaged in the future and hopefully join a club now that I am semi-retired...

Any information would be gratefully received...

[Bradrick]

Congratulations on your first permission... the first one can often lead to more in the surrounding area.

I can't help with the history of that area, but good luck.

Brad

[Rank81]

Very pleased for you. The first is often the hardest. I'm sure you will anyway, but be extra vigilant on making holes tidy etc and showing and giving some finds to the landowner and I'm sure that one field will lead to others once the landowner knows your a responsible and trustworthy detectorist

[KevinB]

I planned on going around the perimeter hedgerows first, then exploring the brook that runs along the bottom of the field before tackling the body of the field.

Good plan of attack....

Wish you good luck and look forwards to seeing a few of your finds on here......

[Etruscan_Toad]

Congratulations. There are plenty of resources online to look at historic maps, local historic activity, etc. Even the PAS will can you an idea of what has been found in the vicinity of your permission.

Good luck!

[haggz]

Well done in gaining that first permission. Not sure how far you have to travel but I always message my landwner a few days before going. As mentioned already I give the landowner first dibs on anything I find, I believe this is the reason I have a good relationship with him.
Don't forget even a small stream or brook can harbour dangers, broken glass, sharpe metal fragments so keep your eyes peeled.
Good ideas to walk the outer edges then the main area. Good luck and happy hunting on your new venture

[Vdogs]

Thanks to all for comments and tips...gratefully received and tips noted. I had my first day out today to my first permission, and it was as expected. A piece of land mostly appearing to have been used over the years to drive on and dump farm scrap etc onto near the entrance. My expectations weren't high, but the ground soon yielded my very first find, and one that I had also predicted to Mrs Vdogs.....a rusty nail bent at 90 degrees! I didn't feel that it merited a scaled photograph. My time there was limited, so this was the sum total of my efforts on a very hard, grassy but stony surface. Not the best, but beggars can't be choosers and I'm grateful for the opportunity to practice the craft. I look forward to presenting a 'real' find soon.

Out of interest, what does everyone feel is the best to worst surface to work on? Asking for a friend...

[Leg end]

I guess a good local find would be a Roman Wirral type brooch, like these https://finds.org.uk/database/search/re ... ion/wirral
Good luck and well done on your first permission.

[Vdogs]

That would be very nice Leg end. Who knew that there was such a thing? Many thanks for pointing it out.

[geomorphicmat]

Hi Vdogs,
I would start off with a basic look at side by side maps from the national museum of Scotland. It covers the whole of the UK. (Type NLS side by side into Google). If possible show the ordnance survey 25inch Vs. Aerial photography. This might show up old buildings or let you know of any old footpaths.
Next have a look at Heritage Environmental Record (HER) for the county. This can give you information on local archaeological sites. Anyway, irrespective of where you start, please let us all know how you get on...! Cheers Mat
P.s. I secured a new permission (my first two in 1995 and 1996 and I've exhausted them) just before Easter holidays. It is just a couple of fields. It was found just from chatting to a lady walking a dog and she said I was welcome to search her paddock. Who knows what might be unearthed! Best of luck.