BEFORE YOU GO

You need a permit from the Port of London Authority to mudlark on the tidal Thames and it’s important to mudlark responsibly and safely. There are Scheduled Monuments where you are not allowed to mudlark and areas where you cannot disturb the foreshore. If you find anything of historic interest it must be reported to a Finds Liaison Officer and recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme Database. Anything that qualifies as Treasure (over 300 years old and made of precious metal, not including single coins) must legally be reported to the Coroner. Be aware of the tides, which can cut you off, and watch out for deep mud.