The Port of London Authority has reopened its mudlarking permit scheme, issuing up to 4,000 permits at £35 each after a surge in popularity. The scheme allows treasure hunting on the Thames riverbed under new regulations to protect the area’s historical significance, requiring permit holders to report their finds.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) has reopened its mudlarking permit scheme, allowing treasure hunters to search the Thames riverbed once more. After a significant increase in popularity, which saw permit applications rise dramatically, the PLA will issue up to 4,000 foreshore permits at £35 per year. Unlike previous years, these permits will not renew automatically. James Trimmer, the PLA’s director of planning and development, remarked that the new scheme aims to provide a safe method for individuals to explore the foreshore while safeguarding its historical significance. He emphasised the responsibility of protecting this unique environment for future generations. This reopening follows a two-year hiatus, during which concern over the preservation of the river’s archaeological heritage prompted a temporary suspension of the scheme. In 2022, over 5,000 mudlarking licences were issued, compared to just 200 in 2018-19. Permit holders are now obliged to report any discoveries to the London Museum, as findings can date back as far as 4500 BC. The PLA manages searches on its own land in conjunction with the Crown Estate.
Mudlarking is a long-standing tradition in London where individuals search for historical artefacts along the riverbed of the Thames. With findings often dating back thousands of years, these activities hold significant archaeological value. Over recent years, the popularity of mudlarking has surged, prompting regulatory bodies like the PLA to ensure that the practice does not compromise the integrity of the river’s historical sites. The issuance of permits has increased as authorities aim to balance public interest in this activity while protecting London’s rich archaeological history.
The relaunch of the mudlarking permit scheme by the PLA is a response to the growing interest in this ancient practice. With the requirement for permits to ensure the protection of the Thames’ historical finds, the initiative aims to foster responsible exploration. Reporting of artefacts is crucial for preserving the archaeological narrative of London’s riverbed, which has been shaped over millennia.
Original Source: www.bbc.com