PLA releases first batch of new mudlark permits

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has today issued invitations to the first 200 people on the waiting list to receive a foreshore permit, enabling them to mudlark along the River Thames in central London.

This follows the PLA’s announcement (2 October) of new measures to protect the foreshore of the Thames, London’s longest archaeological site, having worked with the Museum of London, Historic England and the Crown Estate to develop a fair, sustainable approach.

The interest in mudlarking and the increase in outdoor activities that grew during the pandemic led to the number of applications for foreshore permits to rise from around 200 in 2019 to over 5,000 in 2022. As a result of this growth, and to protect the river and people using the river, the PLA paused the scheme and undertook a substantive review.

Since announcing the new scheme, the PLA has received almost 10,000 applications for a new permit.

James Trimmer, the PLA’s Director of Planning and Development, said:

“In so many ways the River Thames is a treasure and we have an obligation to protect its history and heritage. Part of that means safely managing the access mudlarkers have to the river. In the last five years we have seen interest soar to almost 10,000 people wanting to take to the Thames’ foreshore to mudlark. This highlights the importance of our new approach to control access in a fair and open way so a wider group of people have the opportunity to mudlark, while protecting the river and those who use it.”

The next release of foreshore permits will be made in early 2025. Foreshore permits will be valid for one year from the date of issue, with the intention of being more equitable and allowing a greater number of people having the opportunity to mudlark safely.

Those without a permit can still search for official guided tours, from companies such as Thames Explorer Trust.  The PLA also supports London Museum’s ‘Secret of the Thames’ exhibition, which will open in April 2025, and showcase many of the most incredible finds, deeply connected to the history of the river.

Simon Clarke, Thames Explorer Trust, said:

“The new Foreshore Permit scheme means that a new generation will be able to establish a personal relationship with the river and its history. Thames Explorer is proud to have developed and maintained an artefacts policy through which we discourage the removal of common finds and encourage the reporting of finds of significance.”

For further information about the Foreshore Permit scheme, please visit our Thames Foreshore Permits page.

For more information, visit: 

1. Thames Explorer Trust Guided Tours 
2. Secrets of the Thames exhibition at London Museum.