Back in the FLO with Andrew Richardson

I recently pulled Andrew Richardson FSA MCIfA away from his busy schedule to talk about his recent FLO appointment.

Andrew is no stranger to the FLO role. Those new on the scene may not realise that he held the position in 2002 for six years. Back then Andrew was FLO number four, and on his return he calculated he will be number nine. He didn’t hesitate when I asked, why come back for more? He explained that he had thoroughly enjoyed the six years first time around, interacting with detectorists, recording finds and working with the British Museum plus four museums in Kent – and feels he has so much more to offer second time around.

As for Andrew’s professional background, he completed his post graduate PhD in the 90’s, with a focus on Anglo-Saxon cemeteries of the Kingdom of Kent, 5–8th centuries. Then after his first FLO appointment he was with the Canterbury Archaeological Trust (CAT) until 2021, before joining Isle Heritage CIC.

“…I am very keen on a big push to clear the decks, ready for a fresh start in the new year”

Andrew has requested that if individuals are waiting for non-treasure items to be returned to them, to please contact him via email, and provide as much information as possible; including your name, detailed description of the item and when and where you handed it in. Andrew works closely with Emily who handles treasure items, in which case include the treasure number. He reiterated he is very keen to clear the non-treasure backlog ready for 2026.

“It is important that the FLO is reachable”

Andrew also emphasised the importance that the FLO is reachable in or out of office hours and is working to help refine a process and network for reaching someone ‘late in the afternoon when an Anglo-Saxon cemetery is discovered and the light is fading fast’ kind of emergency. As was the similar case in the recent LEGlSE success story with the Roman hoard discovery and excavation in the Maidstone area.

“Communication is key in this job. If you email me, I will email you back, and if you call me, I will call you back.”

PROFILE

LANDSCAPE EXPLORERS GROUP IN SOUTH EAST — NOVEMBER 14, 2025

Andrew is currently assessing other means of communication and scheduling regular surgeries around the county, but for now he has requested that his work email can be broadcast. You can contact him at: andrew.richardson@kent.gov.uk

Andrew is presently working two days a week as the FLO as he transitions from his current commitments at Isle Heritage CIC before assuming the role full-time on December 3rd.

Andrew plans on getting around the county regularly and will endeavour to meet each detecting club on a quarterly basis. In addition to setting up regular find’s surgeries around the county, he sees this as an opportunity to meet members and collect and/or return their finds.

Everyone at LEGlSE would like to congratulate Andrew and Emily on their recent assignments and look forward to supporting and working closely with them.

While Andrew works on returning the backlog of non-treasure items to individuals, Emily Siddon who was recently appointed as Treasure Finds Liaison Assistant can be reached via email at:
Emily.Siddon@kent.gov.uk

About LEGlSE

If you are a novice or experienced metal detectorist or amateur archaeologist living in any of the London Home Counties, then you are welcome to join the Landscape Explorers Group in Southeast England (LEGlSE), a long-established hobby organisation involved with the landscape recording of metal detecting finds and landscape metal detecting surveys with archaeological groups and contractors.

The group serves to promote liaison between the MD hobby, Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) & Archaeology with help and advice with, Treasure Act, Code of Practice for responsible metal detecting, treasure finds and delays, first aid finds conservation courses and finds identification with assistance from specialists.

For further information on how to join LEGlSE and its private Facebook Group, visit the LEGlSE public Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1375773736490382