0 someone whose hobby is using a metal detector (= special machine) to try to find valuable metal objects in the ground --
That is an example of co-operation between metal detectorists and archaeologists at its best.
I have had the opportunity to speak to some metal detectorists, whose hobby has become far more than that; it has changed their lives.
And many metal detectorists are following in the tradition of that enthusiastic amateur.
But alas, while there are many very responsible metal detectorists, there are others who do not care and who ignore the code of conduct.
Responsible detectorists do have a very important part to play in our national heritage, for the benefit of us all.
Usually they find a penny or 10p piece that another metal detectorist dropped earlier; but on some occasions they start to dig things up.
I personally consider that responsible detectorists have an important role to play in bringing our national heritage to light for the benefit of us all.
These are matters that might be of interest, or almost of reassurance, to honest and reputable detectorists as against those who are not.
