Fieldwork Code

The Rockwatch Fieldwork Code – to read before you go ‘rockhounding’.

• Observe and record. Don’t hammer indiscriminately and remember you don’t always need to take a sample!
• Keep collecting to a minimum – only remove fossils, rocks or minerals if they are genuinely needed for serious study.
• Tell the local museum about your good finds, and remember to record the exact location of the find.
• Never collect from walls or buildings – you could undermine the structure!
• Remember the Country Code and observe local bylaws – shut gates and leave no litter.
• Always seek permission before entering private land.
• Don’t litter fields or roads with rock fragments- they could injure livestock or be a hazard to other people or vehicles.
• Avoid disturbing plants or wildlife.
• No one has the right to ‘dig out’ any site – that is, take everything!
• Don’t disfigure rock surfaces with brightly painted numbers or symbols or a pattern of core holes!
• Try to leave sites as you find them and back-fill where necessary.
• Never go alone on a ‘rockhounding’ trip and always let someone know your plans and your expected time of return.
• Always wear protective goggles when hammering and don’t hammer unnecessarily.
• Make sure you don’t get cut off by the tides.
• Don’t loosen rocks on steep slopes.
• Don’t enter old mine workings or cave systems.
• Don’t interfere with machinery in quarries.
• And finally, enjoy your ‘rockhounding’ trips and make sure that you do so safely by observing the Rockwatch Fieldwork Code at all times.