Source policy

We prefer official documentation, manufacturers, recognised professional bodies, regulators and other primary sources for factual claims. Product availability, specifications and retailer destinations are rechecked before publication.

How we use evidence

For permissions, protected places and finds reporting, we start with the authority responsible for the relevant UK nation or land, then explain what that guidance means for a detectorist. The rules can vary by nation, landowner and exact site. A general article cannot grant permission or replace an official decision. Where a point is consequential, we link to the governing guidance in the article so readers can check the current position themselves.

For detector specifications, waterproof boundaries, accessories and compatibility, we favour the relevant manufacturer's documentation. We distinguish a documented feature from our judgement about who might benefit. Retailer listings are for availability and purchase destinations, not proof of performance. We compare published specifications on the same terms, calculate differences where useful and explain what they might mean for a particular UK search. A specification alone cannot tell you how many finds a detector will make.

Our articles also link to related guides when a question needs more context. We do not add a citation merely to make a page look authoritative, and we do not infer an exact legal answer from a different nation's guidance. If you find an outdated link or a claim that needs correction, contact us with the article and the source you believe changes it.