Guide to Mudlarking

By Jenny Ridgwell

Mudlarking has become a popular pastime on the Thames for the mudlarks who take part and those who watch and follow the stories online. So how do you access the riverbank, what are the rules, what do mudlarks find and what groups can you join if you don't have a licence and want to explore the foreshore? This book is a guide for beginners, introducing the skills I've learnt from experienced mudlarks on how to search, what kit you need, when to go mudlarking, why the tides matter, the strangest and rarest finds, and the hazards of clambering down on the riverbank. Most important, of course, is for now you need a licence. Surprising answers came from mudlarks when asked 'Why do you mudlark?' - I discovered for many it was the tranquillity and beauty of the river that they enjoy even in the middle of London, and that searching the shingle and mud is a time of peace and calm when they can let go of daily stress and worries. Of course, there is the thrill of finding something ancient with an exciting historical story that was thrown away several hundred years ago and only just unearthed in the river mud. But mudlarking today seems to be about companionship, sharing knowledge and the joy of exploring this extraordinary environment right in the centre of the city. You can follow my favourite river walks, find places to eat and drink with great river views, read about mudlark finds in museums and learn a few new words for a pub quiz. Throughout the book, you'll find beautiful drawings by David Smith who joined me on river walks and used his iPad to illustrate famous parts of the Thames and drew some of the items that I found on the foreshore. There's still lots to learn and the river is always calling us back as the tides, storms and riverboats wash out more treasure. So join one of the several groups led by experts that take visitors down to the foreshore and follow the many mudlarks that post their findings online.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CRKHL4DH
• ISBN13: 9798873983360
• Release Date: January 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 200 Pages
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"