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Isles of Scilly · beach metal detecting rules

Can you metal detect on Isles of Scilly beaches?

No published rule found

No council statement on beach detecting found. The Isles of Scilly Museum says many sites are protected ancient monuments where detector use is an offence, and points to the Duchy of Cornwall for permission.

Covers
St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes, Bryher and off-islands
Permission
Not stated officially. Museum guidance says formal permission for investigation should be sought from the Duchy of Cornwall (with the Wildlife Trust and Council jointly responsible for protection).
Watch out for
Scheduled Ancient Monuments across the islands (detector use is an offence).
Source
www.iosmuseum.org/archaeologyonscilly
Checked
8 Nov 2026 · confidence: low

We couldn't find a published rule. Foreshore owned by the Crown Estate follows the Crown Estate's terms; for council-owned beaches, ask the council before you dig. We emailed them on 9 Nov 2026 and will update this page if they reply.

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