About Us

County Durham Metal Detectorists is a non-profit group which was established in 2020 to help those who are interested in the exciting hobby of metal detecting.

The group’s aims are to bring local detectorists together whatever their ability, provide high quality land to detect, create a friendly organisation and raise funds for local charities and other causes.

The group was set up by Gary Buckingham during the Coronavirus pandemic. At the time there was a rise in the number of people taking up the hobby as it was easy to socially distance and came with benefits of being outdoors while improving both physical and mental health.

Gary enlisted the help of metal detectorist friends Scott Hillary and Steven Kirkby to assist with running the group and organisation of digs.

There is no membership fee to join the group and the price of digs are typically £10 to £15 per head to attend.

Our Group

Our group is made up of detectorists mainly from the North East and of all detecting abilities. Experienced members are encouraged to help those newer to the pastime and to identify finds.

Each member attending a dig is required to join the National Council for Metal Detecting and agree to the NCMD Code of Conduct. Membership includes individual public liability insurance of £10m.

Meet The Team

GARY BUCKINGHAM
GARY BUCKINGHAMFounder
Gary has been metal detecting for over 20 years and is passionate about the hobby, so much so he decided to start County Durham Metal Detectorists Group!
SCOTT HILLARY
SCOTT HILLARYEvent Manager
Scott works full time in event management and brings his expertise to our digs. He is fairly new to metal detecting but since investing in his first detector he has been bitten by the detecting bug.
STEVEN KIRKBY
STEVEN KIRKBYFinds Expert
Steve has been detecting for over 20 years and has a knack for identifying the most inconspicuous objects. He also provides first aid cover on our organised digs.