Metal detecting ‘gives your brain a break’ from screens
Roman Found
In an age dominated by screens, social media and artificial intelligence (AI), metal detecting enthusiasts say the hobby helps them escape the digital world and slow down.
For cousins Lucilla Gray and Eleanor Bruce, what started as a hobby during the Covid pandemic evolved into a way to switch off from modern life’s constant distractions.
The pair, from Lincolnshire, have been metal detecting for six years.
In that time they have uncovered Roman brooch fragments, a Medieval buckle and a Victorian needle casing with an incredible women’s history tied to it.
But for them, the appeal is more than finding treasure. It is about escaping screens, spending time outdoors and being present in the moment.
“If you struggle with your mental health, I think metal detecting can really help with grounding, giving you focus,” Lucilla, 34, says.
Roman Found
“It helps to stop overthinking things and you have to be really present in what you’re doing. It’s a good way to give your brain a bit of a break.”
Eleanor says people are returning to more nostalgic hobbies, like metal detecting, to combat the fast-paced world of social media and artifical intelligence (AI).
“There is quite a trend at the minute for returning to what people deem as being nostalgic hobbies,” the 27-year-old says.
“I think metal detecting is certainly one of them – it’s like all the people still shooting on 35 millimetre film.
“There’s this massive trend of going back in time because our world is developing and expanding so rapidly with social media and AI.”
‘Quite something’
Alan Tamblyn, general secretary of the National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD), said the pastime is becoming increasingly popular, with about 50,000 people taking part, compared to 20,000 about five years ago.
According to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), there were nearly 80,000 finds recorded in 2024. Metal detectorists accounted for 94% of all recorded finds.
Alan believes its growing popularity is being fuelled by an increasing interest in history, as well as a desire to step away from the pressures of modern society.
“You’re re-engaging with nature, you’ve got the fresh air, you’re just switching off and listening to the bird song,” he says. “Being out in the middle of no<a href="https://myappsplus.com/where-to-watch-you-can-see-everything-can-i-stream-it-yet-release-dates/” title=”Where to watch You Can See Everything — can I stream it yet? release dates”>where on a sunny day is quite something.”
Alan explains the hobby’s appeal has also widened beyond its traditional audience of older men, with more families and women getting involved.
‘Women’s voices’
Lucilla agrees: “Stereotypically, metal detecting, and also being interested in history, is very male-dominated.
“It’s really important to have more women’s voices in these spaces and also telling stories of some of the finds and history that maybe wouldn’t be spotlighted because it’s coming from two younger women.”
The pair, who call themselves Roman Found on social media, even wrote a book called Things We Found in the Ground, detailing their journey.
In the book, they explain one of their finds was a needle casing which depicts a portrait of Princess Helena.
She was one of the founders of the Royal School of Needlework which empowered women at the beginning of the suffrage.
Alan Tamblyn
Despite attracting increasing numbers of people, Alan says metal detecting is more than just a hobby, it is about rewriting history.
“The things that we find like medieval coins, Roman coins, artefacts, Medieval, brooches and buckles – all of those items tell a story and they are part of our shared national heritage,” he says.
One person who has contributed to Lincolnshire’s national heritage is Rafal Wesolowski from Boston.
The 50-year-old unearthed a rare early medieval silver-gilt finger ring with a runic inscription in a field in Quadring in South Holland in May 2024.
Rafal reported the find to the PAS and experts from the University of Nottingham had confirmed its early medieval date and importance.
Archaeologist Dr Lisa Brundle described it as one of “the most significant” archaeological finds ever recorded in the area.
Rafal Wesolowski
Despite the rare ring being one of his favourite finds, he says the recognition and helping shape local history, it is not why he does what he does.
Rafal says he loves metal detecting because it helps him slow down.
Growing up loving sport and being busy, he says it helps him stay calm and encourages him to do engage in other mindful hobbies like reading books about the artefacts he has found.
“Finding new coins, new artefacts makes me happy,” he says. “I read more history and get more excited about what I find.”
He adds: “One day at an event for metal detectors… I remember sleeping in a tent, waking up early, everybody sleeps, making a coffee.
“I see the mountain, little bees, the forest and the field… this is beautiful.”
Roman Found
As well as helping them get away from screens, the hobby also brought Eleanor, who grew up in Lincolnshire, and Lucilla, who grew up in New Zealand, together.
“I think being able to reconnect with that side of my family and heritage was quite important in finding somewhere to belong,” Lucilla, who has now moved back to Lincolnshire, says.
Alan adds: “Once people get into it, it really is a community. It really is a family.
“One question we get asked a lot is, ‘what’s the best thing we’ve discovered?’ I can honestly say, cheesy as it is, the biggest thing and most important thing that I found while in my 28 years of metal detecting is the people.
“I’ve met some amazing people and that continues.”
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