Is Magnet Fishing Dangerous? | UXO Risks Explained

In recent years, magnet fishing has become an increasingly popular activity across the UK. Thousands of hobbyists are now taking to canals, rivers, and lakes with strong neodymium magnets, hoping to uncover everything from scrap metal and lost tools to historical artefacts.

For many, it’s a way to reconnect with local history or enjoy a low-cost outdoor activity, but alongside the harmless finds, some magnet fishers are pulling up items that pose a very real danger, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO).

While the idea of recovering a wartime relic may sound exciting, the risks associated with handling potentially explosive items are significant and often underestimated. As the number of participants grows, so too does the likelihood of serious incidents.

In this blog, we explore the rise of magnet fishing in the UK, the hidden legacy of wartime munitions, and the legal and safety implications of this increasingly common hobby.

The rise of magnet fishing in the UK

Magnet fishing sits somewhere between metal detecting and angling. Instead of a rod and bait, hobbyists use a powerful magnet to “fish” metallic objects out of the water. These magnets can lift hundreds of kilograms, enough to haul out old bicycles, WWII memorabilia, or long-discarded weapons.

Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have helped fuel the hobby’s popularity. Videos of dramatic finds such as safes, guns or wartime relics regularly rack up millions of views, but not every discovery ends with a satisfying ‘catch of the day’ post. In some cases, the outcome is far more serious.

Real-life incidents highlight the risks

While magnet fishing can seem like a harmless hobby, recent discoveries across the UK serve as a reminder of the very real dangers involved, particularly when historical ordnance is uncovered. In just the first half of 2025, several high-profile incidents have drawn attention to the risks faced by members of the public who unknowingly come into contact with explosive or hazardous items. From wartime grenades to centuries-old cannonballs, these finds highlight the unpredictable nature of what lies beneath the surface, and why caution is essential:

• A seven-year-old boy pulled an unexploded artillery shell from the River Aire in Leeds in January 2025.
• A member of the public discovered a WWII grenade while magnet fishing in a river with his children in Salisbury, Wiltshire in June 2025. The device, thought to be a Mills bomb, was later safely removed and disposed of by EOD specialists.
• Also in June 2025, police officers were searching for five suspected hand grenades found in a Worcestershire canal by a magnet fisher. West Mercia Police said a man found a total of seven devices in the canal on Lea End Lane in Hopwood, but left the area with five of them, leaving two on the bank.
• In April 2025 a magnet fisher in Edinburgh found a 350 year old cannonball (used in the English Civil War) in the River Lochy.

Why are wartime munitions still being found?

The UK saw extensive bombing during the Second World War, and it’s estimated that around 10% of munitions failed to detonate. Some of these ended up in rivers, canals, or docklands, either at the time of impact or as a result of later clearance efforts. In the years that followed, many waterways were also used as convenient dumping grounds for surplus or unwanted military items. Weapons, explosives, and equipment were often discarded without proper documentation, making their presence unknown until discovered decades later.

This activity wasn’t limited to just bombed areas. Rivers and canals near training grounds, munitions factories, and Home Guard outposts were also affected. Activities along these waterways often involved live ordnance, and not everything was recovered. While large-scale clearance operations took place after the war, items hidden beneath silt, mud, or debris were frequently missed.

As a result, unexploded ordnance still turns up today, particularly when riverbeds are disturbed by activities like dredging, construction, or magnet fishing.

A legal grey area

Magnet fishing currently exists in a legal grey area in England and Wales. While not formally regulated, there have been increasing calls for clearer rules and greater oversight. The Canal & River Trust, responsible for managing much of the canal and river network across England and Wales, discourages the activity due to safety concerns. On its land, magnet fishing is prohibited without prior permission.

Scotland takes a more definitive stance. Under Scottish law, removing items from bodies of water without the landowner’s permission is illegal, making magnet fishing unlawful in many locations. In addition, much of Scotland’s canal network and several lochs, such as Linlithgow, Duddingston, and St Margaret’s Loch, are protected as Scheduled Monuments. These sites are legally safeguarded under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 due to their national historical importance. Disturbing or removing items from such locations can lead to legal consequences.

Regardless of location, magnet fishing becomes far more serious when unexploded ordnance is involved. Even old or heavily corroded items may still contain live explosives. Members of the public may not recognise what they’ve found or understand how dangerous it could be. Attempting to move or handle these items without proper training and equipment puts lives at risk.

What to do if you find suspected ordnance

If you come across a suspected explosive item while magnet fishing, or during any other activity, it’s essential not to touch or move it. Even items that appear old or corroded can still be dangerous. Always follow these steps:

• Do not touch, move, or disturb the item – leave it exactly where you found it.
• Move away and keep others clear – Establish a safe distance and ensure no one else approaches.
• Report it immediately – Contact the police or local authorities with the exact location and a description of the item.
• Follow official advice – Stay clear of the area and follow any instructions from emergency services. Evacuate the area if asked to do so.

Acting quickly and cautiously helps keep everyone safe while ensuring the item can be dealt with by trained professionals.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt that magnet fishing appeals to those with a sense of adventure and curiosity, but as recent events have shown, that curiosity can lead to serious consequences.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a landowner dealing with the aftermath of a UXO find, it’s important to treat all suspicious items with caution and seek expert support.

Stay safe. Stay aware. And if you’re unsure, leave it alone.

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