Letter: In support of the metal detector
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Dr Michael Heyworth
Sir: It is unfortunate that Rebecca Fowler's article on the proposed new Treasure Bill and the Department of National Heritage's discussion document on the reporting of archaeological finds ("Law may soon be watching the detectorists", 1 March) uses such sensational language to describe reactions to the proposals.
Neither proposal will have any significant impact on metal detector users - many of whom are motivated by an interest in their past and already work closely with archaeologists to further our understanding of the historic environment. It is difficult to understand how anyone could not support simple measures which will enable us to learn more about Britain's past which, after all, belongs to all of us.
It is unfortunate that Ms Fowler gives the impression that landowners are unhappy with the proposals. In fact there are real advantages for them - especially in the clarification which the Bill brings to the current situation where a trespasser can claim a reward for material removed from a landowner's property without his/her permission while the landowner receives nothing. Perhaps this is why the Treasure Bill is supported by both the Country Landowners Association and the National Farmers' Union?
Yours faithfully,
Michael Heyworth
Acting Director
Council for British Archaeology
York
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments