Metal heads: the thriving detectorist scene digging up Britain’s past

Growing numbers are taking to the fields in search of fresh air, a sense of community and the odd piece of treasure

Eyes down, headphones on, arm sweeping across the ground, Mandy Duffin slowly paces a Warwickshire field with her metal detector. Suddenly she stops, and reaches for her spade.

Duffin is not alone. Up and down the country, men, women and children are listening for the tantalising sound of electronic pips, wondering if today will be the day they turn up an intriguing remnant of the past.