Unearthing the past: the UK discovers new crowds of amateur archaeologists: from the article:

More than 1,300 pieces of treasure were found in the UK during 2019 – the largest haul since records began – amid growing interest in metal detecting.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) annual report on treasure finds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland said there were more than 1,000 discoveries for a sixth year in a row.

The vast majority, 96%, were discovered by metal detecting. Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Essex and Hampshire were identified as hotspots for treasure with more than 80 pieces found in each county during 2019.

There are approximately 20,000 detectorists in England and Wales, and 348 of their discoveries were acquired by or donated to UK museums in 2019. Of the found treasure, 84% were “object cases”, meaning non-coin finds….

“The search for buried treasures by budding detectorists has become more popular than ever before and many ancient artefacts now see the light of day in museums’ collections,” said the culture minister Caroline Dinenage. “However, it is important that we pursue plans to protect more of our precious history and make it easier for everyone to follow the treasure process.”