Metal detector enthusiasts have been told to stop performing the activity on council-owned land in Stevenage.
A spokesperson for Stevenage Borough Council said: "Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of incidents of damage to grass areas as a result of metal detector activities.
"The damage appears to have been done where items have been removed from the ground, leaving holes which have created trip hazards. Some of the damage has been done nearby children’s play areas.
"Please remember that we do not allow metal detecting on our land for this reason."
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Metal detector enthusiasts have recently been spotted combing the fields in Stevenage Town Centre Gardens and St Nicholas Park.
Metal detecting is legal in the UK as long as you have permission from the landowner and you adhere to the statute law called The Treasure Act 1996.
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