No Metal Detecting or Digging

No Metal Detectors

Metal detecting on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) can be harmful for several reasons:

Disturbance of Wildlife: SSSIs are designated to protect rare and vulnerable species and habitats. Metal detecting can disturb breeding birds and other wildlife, potentially causing them to abandon their nests or habitats.

Damage to Features of Interest: SSSIs often contain important geological, archaeological, or ecological features. Digging can damage these features, such as sand dunes or ancient artifacts, which are crucial for scientific study and conservation.

Legal Restrictions: A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covers the entire site and restricts certain activities that may cause harm or disturbance and this includes metal detecting.

Environmental Impact: The act of digging and disturbing the soil can lead to erosion, loss of vegetation, and other environmental impacts that can degrade the quality of the habitat.

Respecting these areas helps preserve their unique qualities and ensures that future generations can also enjoy and learn from them. If you’re interested in metal detecting, it’s best to seek out areas where it is allowed and to follow responsible detecting practices.