It is important to record isolated finds and surface scatters of archaeological material. Information on the location of such finds is of particular importance; over a period even apparently insignificant finds may enable us to identify key concentrations of material, or to understand trade or settlement in the county through distribution patterns.

Dorset has two Finds Liaison Officers (shared with Somerset County Council) under the Portable Antiquities Scheme for the voluntary recording of archaeological finds. You can get help with finds identification and report archaeological finds through the Portable Antiquities team or by contacting the Historic Environment Record. We can also advise on the reporting of finds of potential treasure, as required by the Treasure Act 1996.

Many archaeological finds come to light through metal detecting. It is a legitimate hobby with a large following and the potential to contribute greatly to our understanding of the past. There are many metal detectorists active in Dorset, and we encourage and support responsible detectorists via the Dorset County Council metal detectorists liaison scheme.

• Dorset County Council Metal Detectorists Liaison Scheme

  The Dorset County Council Metal Detectorists Liaison Scheme was established in 1994 to recognise and supports the many responsible metal detectorists active in the county and encourage best practice in the recovery, reporting and care of metal detector finds.

• Portable Antiquities Scheme

  The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a national scheme for the voluntary recording of finds. Dorset and Somerset run a joint Portable Antiquities scheme; our Finds Liaison Officers can help with identification.

• Treasure Act

  The Treasure Act 1996 came into effect on 24 September 1997, replacing the common law of treasure trove in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The definition of treasure was extended on 1 January 2003.