Is mudlarking illegal?

Anyone involved in mudlarking must have their own permit. However, individuals do not need a permit to visit the foreshore as long as they are not searching in any way or for any reason.

Can you sell mudlarking finds?

Quickly, the Port of London Authority (PLA) intervened and ruled that mudlarks couldn't sell their finds. Now, they keep everything or donate their objects to museums.

Can mudlarks keep what they find?

MUDLARKING: THE LEGAL BIT

If you have a licence and you find anything on the foreshore, you can keep it, but you have to report anything over 300 years old to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (finds.org.uk) to record them.

Where can you do mudlarking?

Mudlarking. Anyone wishing to search the tidal Thames foreshore in any way for any reason must hold a current foreshore permit from the Port of London Authority (PLA). Searching includes all such activities, including searching, metal detecting, digging, or 'scraping'.

Why is the Thames so good for mudlarking?

The Thames has a relatively large tidal range and the foreshore is exposed twice a day, ready for mudlarks to see what the river has churned up. The Thames mud also creates anaerobic conditions and can preserve items for centuries.

Mudlarking BANNED!

How much is a permit to mudlark on the Thames?

Anyone can make an application for a Standard permit, which costs £32 per day (£75 for three years). This allows you to dig to a depth of 7.5cm, but as a result of a recent clamp-down/clarification you need the permit even if you are only surface-collecting on the foreshore without any digging.

Can you just go mudlarking?

Anyone involved in mudlarking must have their own permit.

This includes all searching, metal detecting, 'beachcombing', scraping and digging.

What's the difference between beachcombing and mudlarking?

Mudlarking narratives, which in British writing are frequently centred on the Thames, often foreground valuable objects that have been trapped in the sediment, while beachcombing narratives emphasise the mixture of plastic detritus and more organic items, valuing old toothbrushes as much as colourful shells.

What to wear when mudlarking?

Although cleaner than ever before there are still occasional spillages of raw sewage into the river after heavy rain so wear gloves as a precaution and wash your hands after mudlarking. I also recommend good, sturdy waterproof footwear (I prefer wellies myself) and ensure you're up to date with a tetanus jab too.

Can you magnet fish in the Thames?

Nicola White Tideline Art it's also illegal to magnet fish on most UK rivers, the Thames is especially a no no .

Why are there so many clay pipes in the Thames?

Clay pipes were made in moulds. They were cheap and disposable, with a short life expectancy. As soon as they were no longer smokable, they were tossed into the rubbish – or rivers – which is why we find so many today. They're often described as the cigarette butts of the past.

Who owns the Thames Foreshore?

The Port of London Authority and the Crown Estate are the largest landowners of Thames foreshore. However, parts of the foreshore are still accessible to the public.

Can you sell jewelry you find metal detecting?

Absolutely, this can totally be a good idea! Keeping your collections can actually be a good investment, especially when the price of gold and other precious metals continues to rise in value. No secret that historically valuable relics or rare items will be worth more as they become less available over time.

How much money did mudlarks earn?

Mudlarks would often get cuts from broken glass left on the shore. The income generated was seldom more than meagre; but mudlarks had a degree of independence, since (subject to tides) the hours they worked were entirely at their own discretion and they also kept everything they made as a result of their own labour.

Is mudlarking safe?

They were looking for lumps of coal, rope, bones, iron or copper – anything that could be sold. Mudlarks only did this to survive extreme poverty. The treacherous mud and fast tides made it a dangerous activity.

What is a boatman licence?

A boatman's Licence applies to persons/operators who assist in the charge and navigation of pleasure boats, craft or vessels to be let for hire or be used or carrying passengers for hire in category D waters.

Can you paddling on the Thames without a license?

River Licensing Information

You only need a licence for the stretch upstream of Teddington Locks. This section is managed by the Environment Agency. The stretch downstream of Teddington Locks is tidal and therefore does not require a licence. It is managed by the Port of London Authority.

How deep is Thames?

Did you know that the depth of the Thames changes drastically? ♒ The River is around 20 metres at its deepest but only around 1.5 meters deep at Tower Bridge.

Is beachcombing legal in the UK?

Please beach comb responsibly

Under the Coast Protection Act 1949, it is unlawful to take any natural materials from any beach in the UK, including sand and pebbles.

Why do people beachcomb?

For these people, "beachcombing" is the recreational activity of looking for and finding various curiosities that have washed in with the tide: seashells of every kind, fossils, pottery shards (sea pottery), historical artifacts, sea beans (drift seeds), sea glass (beach glass), driftwood, and messages in bottles.

How to start mudlarking?

Can narrowboats go on the Thames?

Yes. Thames Byelaw 18 requires that a narrowboat be equipped with at least one suitable anchor with chain, cable or rope. The anchor must be available at all times for immediate use.

Are the Thames mudlarking permits relaunched with 4000 person cap after 2 year suspension?

The new Foreshore Permit scheme will limit the number of available Foreshore Permits to a maximum of 4,000, which will be valid for a year from the issue date. The autorenewal of permits has been removed to ensure that all who are interested will have the opportunity to apply for a permit.

What is mud locking?

'Mudlarking' is the act of searching the riverbed for these historical treasures. Mudlarks comb the Thames foreshore, which is only accessible for a few hours a day at low tide, in their hunt for objects, untouched since they were lost hundreds or even thousands of years ago.