UK Metal Detecting News 2026: Iron Age Hoards, Nighthawking and a Big Giveaway

What's been happening in the world of UK metal detecting in 2026? In this solo episode, Katie rounds up the biggest stories so far this year and announces the Detecting History 100th episode giveaway competition.First up, the Melsonby Hoard goes on public display at the Yorkshire Museum from 15 May. Over 800 Iron Age objects including the first evidence of four-wheeled wagons in Britain. Then we look at the Portable Antiquities Scheme's record-breaking year with over 79,000 finds recorded, and why your local Finds Liaison Officer needs your support more than ever.We also cover the Great Baddow Hoard, 933 Iron Age gold coins now secured for the Museum of Chelmsford, but with a cautionary tale about what happens when you detect without permission. That leads into the rise of nighthawking, with Humberside Police reporting increased illegal detecting on protected land.On the brighter side, the Chew Valley Hoard's incredible journey from field to national tour shows the system working as it should. And a father and son's Anglo-Saxon find in Lincolnshire has inspired an entire jewellery collection.Plus, Katie announces the 100th episode giveaway with prizes from Regton, The Etching Booth, Composite Cleaning Company, and S&D Detectorist.ENTER THE COMPETITION Go to @detectinghistorychannel on Instagram, like the competition post, share it on your stories, comment "100" and subscribe to our YouTube channel. UK only. Details on the post.LINKS AND RESOURCES Melsonby Hoard exhibition: yorkshiremuseum.org.uk Report your finds: finds.org.uk Report nighthawking: call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111SPONSORS AND PARTNERS Regton: regton.com (use Katie's affiliate discount code DHPODCAST) The Etching Booth: www.instagram.comthe_etching_booth Composite Cleaning Company www.cleaningpencil.com and https://snddetectorist.comCONNECT WITH DETECTING HISTORY YouTube: Detecting History Channel Instagram: @detectinghistorychannelIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It genuinely helps new listeners find the show.Hit the follow button to get all the new episodes first! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.