Hello!
I was wondering if ‘Mudlarking’ is a thing in Germany. For those that are unfamiliar, here are two helpful links:
Schatzsuche in der Themse – Was ist Mudlarking und was gilt es zu beachten?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudlark
I know that activities related to metal-detecting are regulated and licensed in Germany and I am interested to learn if similar licenses apply to mudlarking? I have tried researching but perhaps I am not using the right term because I am not finding helpful results.
My reason for asking is because I will soon be living near a tidal river in Germany and would enjoy looking for lost odds-and-ends with which to make art while also removing pollution. However, I do not want to do anything that will get me in trouble!
Edit for clarity: I wouldn’t be digging or using a metal detector, and understand antiquities or valuables are protected. I’m interested in things like weathered glass, scrap metal, lost buttons.
2 comments
Depending on the state you are in any antiquities you find need to be reported to the “Amt für Landesdenkmalpflege” and are not yours to keep. All archaeological finds and remains belong to the state per definition, no matter where you find them, even if it’s on your own property. Details vary from state to state.
Maybe use deepl to translate this:
[https://www.swr.de/wissen/1000-antworten/kultur/1000-antworten-1510.html](https://www.swr.de/wissen/1000-antworten/kultur/1000-antworten-1510.html)
Looks like fun, but just be careful you don’t unearth any phosphorus bombs or other ordnance that sadly still turn up here and there in German riverbanks. Highly unlikely.