Can you metal detect on East Lindsey beaches?

Metal detecting is allowed on East Lindsey's beaches for private, non-commercial use. No large holes, no vehicles, and you must not cause nuisance. Not allowed south of Skegness central beach (SSSI) or beyond the north end of Mablethorpe beach (CCA) without Natural England's permission.

Covers

Gibraltar Point to Mablethorpe/Saltfleet (Skegness, Ingoldmells, Chapel St Leonards, Anderby, Sutton-on-Sea, Mablethorpe)

Permission

No permit needed. Read and follow the council's guidance notes (PDF). For the SSSI/CCA areas, ask Natural England (enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk, 01205 723614).

Watch out for

South of Skegness central beach (SSSI, including towards Gibraltar Point) and beyond the north end of Mablethorpe beach (Coastal Conservation Area): not allowed without Natural England's permission. Guidance PDF: https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/media/5310/Metal-Detecting-on-Beaches/pdf/Metal_Detecting_on_beaches.pdf. Treasure rewards are split equally between ELDC, the Crown Estate and the finder.

What the source says

"Metal Detecting is allowed on our beaches. To make sure our beach is kept as safe as possible for the public, we ask operators to follow some simple rules."

Source

www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/article/5943/Metal-Detecting · 2021-06-29

Checked

8 Nov 2026