Metal Detecting

First of all I would like to say 'hi' as that's my first post and I'm new to the hobby.

My equipment is gonna arrive soon so I would like to start my journeys with metal detector.

The biggest problem is to get permission. I live in essex close to Southend and seen there some people walking with metal detectors.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any informations about if there's a general permission (like with the crown state' to search with a metal detector on those beaches.

I would be grateful for any info either to the links that say that it's allowed or i have to contact the council to get a permission.

Best regards and wish you all great findings

https://thecrownestate.maps.arcgis.com/ ... a5aa1660db

Shows the crown estate map, the area in purple you can detect following crown estate rules, the rest of the surrounding area is not crown and does require permission, as to who owns that I dont know, but if you find out can you let me know. Good luck.

Thanks. I've seen the crown estate map. Unfortunately not many areas near me would be free to go.

I've found what beaches are managed by southend Council:
Bell Wharf Beach
Chalkwell Beach
City Beach
Jubilee Beach
Shoebury Common Beach
Shoebury East Beach
Thorpe Bay Beach
Three Shells Beach
Westcliff Beach

My question was if someone found any information that it would be free to search with metal detector over there or need a personal permission from Council. I wasn't able to find any informations about it.

Shoebury info is here https://www.southend.gov.uk/info/200370 ... nformation

Thanks for the info

I think I'll just have to write an email to southend council to find out what about the rest of the foreshore.

ive detected southend a few times but always at night. parking by the sealife centre (free parking) normally go between 9pm 2.30 am but adjusted for tide times. never had an issue regarding were i have detected. the wet sand/black silt plays havoc with sensitivity and false signals. picture posted is the general area i detect.

Thanks haggs. I lived in southend for a few years so I know that area what you're talking about.
Unfortunately because of my working hours it's not possible to go detecting evening/nights. I dont wanna get in trouble detecting during the day so I'll have to look for a permission anyway

Good to hear you will seek permission and avoid going to areas at night to try and avoid getting caught.

plenty of info on here about detecting Southend

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=south ... 7&dpr=1.25

of cause when covid-19 isn't an issue you could always pop into the metal detecting shop and ask

I'm sure they would be helpful and steer you in the right direction. Its in their interest as you are a potential customers.

AndyM wrote: Sun May 17, 2020 11:06 pm Good to hear you will seek permission and avoid going to areas at night to try and avoid getting caught.

i have met locals who detect this area. if my information is incorrect my apologies.

haggz wrote: Mon May 18, 2020 6:19 am

AndyM wrote: Sun May 17, 2020 11:06 pm Good to hear you will seek permission and avoid going to areas at night to try and avoid getting caught.

i have met locals who detect this area. if my information is incorrect my apologies.

I didn't read it as you were doing anything wrong

I find it fun to beach detect at night. The piece and quite is lovely but it can be surreal.

had my footprints glow due to bioluminescence and had a light come towards me at ground level. Someone walking their dog wearing a glowing collar



.

Koala wrote: Mon May 18, 2020 12:39 pm

haggz wrote: Mon May 18, 2020 6:19 am

AndyM wrote: Sun May 17, 2020 11:06 pm Good to hear you will seek permission and avoid going to areas at night to try and avoid getting caught.

i have met locals who detect this area. if my information is incorrect my apologies.

I didn't read it as you were doing anything wrong

I find it fun to beach detect at night. The piece and quite is lovely but it can be surreal.

had my footprints glow due to bioluminescence and had a light come towards me at ground level. Someone walking their dog wearing a glowing colla
.

Hi,

You're ok to detect on any of the beaches you mention. The only one that is covered by Crown Estates is Shoebury West Beach in front of Uncle Toms because of access to the Mulberry Harbour wreck but that stretch isn't particularly productive anyway. Shoebury East Beach, although open to the public is also under MOD control and I have been approached by police from the site before. On both occasions they just asked what I was doing and if I had found much (I hadn't) so they are ok. You do find live munitions there and it is iron infested so not the best site to cut your teeth on!

Southend Council are very strict about parks locally, i.e. no detecting! But they are more liberal about beaches. The same rules apply to any beach anywhere. Avoid going where there are people, always back fill holes, remove rubbish etc etc. I detect early or late or when the weather isn't good, that way it's usually fairly empty. The other thing with Southend shore is that you don't have to stay on the beach! you have miles and miles of mud flats to explore and these can be surprisingly productive.

This year is a bit different with the Covid lockdown and the massive crowds aren't there to "replenish the supplies" but there is still enough to keep you occupied. I'll be spending most of my time on the flats this year looking for older finds ….and to make sure I avoid people.

Best of luck.....

I cut my detecting teeth there almost half a century ago (sob) and still get back for a few days every year. There is a hell of a lot of junk but, with the right machine and a bit of experience, it is still one of the easiest beaches in Britain to find decent stuff on. Very muddy though.