Partnering with
Local Landowners
Embedded Files
Unlocking Our Shared Local History Together
Unlocking Our Shared Local History Together
From a village garden or horse paddock to open farmland, every plot holds the artifacts and clues needed to piece together our past. Building these local parish archives is only possible with the active partnership of landowners—we rely on your support to preserve this history and would love to collaborate with you.
The Landowner Guarantee
The Landowner Guarantee
100% Free & Transparent: Conducted at zero cost to you. We offer simple verbal or standard written agreements—whichever you prefer.
Complete Privacy & Discretion: Exact findspots are kept strictly confidential. Public archive records are blurred to broad parish levels to ensure your privacy.
Minimal Disruption & Fully Insured: We adhere strictly to the NCMD Code of Conduct, hold £10M in public liability insurance, and use high-precision recovery techniques so clods are neatly replaced and any disturbance is barely noticeable. Fully experienced around livestock, crops and property.
Fair & Legal: You retain full ownership of single finds up to £100, with a 50/50 split on higher-value non-treasure items. Any items legally defined as 'Treasure' are handled strictly under the UK Treasure Act 1996 with any statutory rewards split equally.
About the Coordinator & Provenance
About the Coordinator & Provenance
The Unwritten History Survey is self funded, volunteer-run, and coordinated by Ian Tindall—a local historical researcher and professional metal detectorist with many years of experience operating in the UK and Western Australian gold fields.
While going digital this year, our field survey work is deeply established across Nottinghamshire with over 15 years of trusted landowner relationships.
Official Collaborations & Endorsements
This project is endorsed and supported by local Parish Councils, History Societies, and the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). All survey work meets the highest standards of responsible recording.
"The Unwritten History Survey plays a valuable role in uncovering and preserving our local heritage. Ian has a long-standing history of responsible detecting and works closely with the Portable Antiquities Scheme to ensure significant finds are professionally identified, accurately mapped, and recorded for the national database."
— Local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), Portable Antiquities Scheme
What Local Landowners Say About Us
What Local Landowners Say About Us
"Ian has regularly searched our land over the years. He always keeps us fully updated with reports about his finds, and even provided us with a fascinating 17th-century map of our farm. He is completely honest, easy going, and very respectful of our property. We would highly recommend him." — Local Farmer, NG14
"We own 40 acres in the village and have always been curious about its past. Ian has searched it methodically over several visits and uncovered some fascinating local history, including a range of medieval coins and trade tokens. He keeps us informed every step of the way. " — Local Landowner, NG14
For more reviews - Click here
For more reviews - Click here
"We asked Ian to search our 10-acre paddock and he turned up some incredible history, including an Anglo-Saxon brooch and a medieval key—he took such care that you honestly couldn't see where he had dug." — Local Paddock Owner, NG14
"Ian came out to search our paddock, and it was brilliant to see what turned up—mostly old pre-decimal coins, buckles, and some lead trade tokens. Crucially, he left the ground completely tidy." — Local Paddock Owner, NG14
"Our house was built in the late 1970s so we didn't expect to find anything at all, but Ian was happy to search our lawn. He uncovered a dozen coins dating back to 1929, including a 1974 US dime from right around the time the house was being built!" — Homeowner, NG14
"Ian methodically searched our small back lawn. While historical finds were few, he still uncovered a couple of 1960s toy cars and a few old coins. It was great fun to see what had been hiding right under the grass." — Village Resident, Burton Joyce
FAQs - Click here
FAQs - Click here
Are you insured?
Yes. The survey is covered by £10M Public Liability insurance through the National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD). Your property and peace of mind are fully protected.
How long does a survey take?
It depends entirely on the size of the land. A typical garden lawn takes about an hour, whereas a large agricultural field requires multiple visits over time to cover thoroughly. Cultivated farmland is an ongoing project across different crop cycles each year.
Will my lawn be ruined?
Not at all. We take great care with target recovery—turf is carefully cut, and clods are neatly replaced and firmed down. Once complete, any disturbance is barely noticeable.
How deep do you dig?
We only target the topsoil or plough-zone—typically the top 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm) of ground.
What about livestock and property?
We are highly experienced in working around horses, cattle, and sheep, and always treat your land and livestock with total respect. We ensure all gates are kept securely closed, maintain a safe distance so animals are never stressed, and immediately remove any hazardous debris—such as sharp wire, iron scrap, or litter—uncovered during the survey. We will also alert you to any broken fences, fallen trees, or straying stock.
What happens to the finds after the survey is completed?
All discoveries receive a light, non-destructive clean, are cataloged, and photographed for the archive.
Who keeps the everyday finds?
Legally, all non-treasure finds—such as Victorian coins, trade tokens, musket balls, or pottery fragments—belong to you, so they are yours to keep if you wish. We only ask for permission to photograph and record them for the survey archive.
What happens if you find 'Treasure'?
If an item meets the criteria under the UK Treasure Act 1996 (such as gold or silver objects over 300 years old, or coin hoards), it is legally declared to the local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO). Any statutory reward determined by the Treasure Valuation Committee is split equally (50/50) between the landowner and the survey, in full accordance with the law.
Do I have to do anything?
Not a thing. We work entirely around your schedule, access preference, and convenience.
Discover the Story Beneath Your Feet
Discover the Story Beneath Your Feet
Whether you own hundreds of acres, a horse paddock, or an older village garden, you hold a piece of the local puzzle, and we would love to help you discover its past.
If you are curious about what history might be hidden beneath the surface of your land then please contact us to express your interest. We can arrange a friendly, no-obligation chat and, if you're happy, start exploring your land whenever suits you.
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