The Ayres

Low-lying coastal plain in the far north — a nationally important nature reserve with sand dunes, heath, and shingle beaches. The Ayres was more extensive in the past and has been gradually eroding. Archaeological material from Neolithic to medieval periods has been found in eroding dune faces. WHY DETECT HERE: Coastal erosion is doing the detecting for you — the dunes are literally falling apart and exposing buried material. After storms, walk the eroding dune faces and foreshore for exposed artefacts. The remoteness means virtually zero competition. The nature reserve status requires care — stick to the beach and avoid disturbing dune vegetation.