The Mudlark App is a dedicated platform for recording finds, organising collections, documenting creations, writing about visits to the foreshore, and building a lasting record of mudlarking life.
The app has been designed to support the practical, historical, and creative sides of mudlarking in one place. It allows members to record finds in the field, maintain a structured catalogue, share selected material publicly, and build a fuller picture of their permit year over time.
As well as functioning as a personal record, the app can also be used to create a public homepage, publish writing, and connect with other members.
Finds can be recorded directly from a phone or tablet while on the foreshore. This allows members to capture key details at the point of discovery and return later to expand, edit, or research the record further.
The catalogue provides a structured record of finds, including categories, dates, descriptions, locations, images, and visibility settings. It is intended to help members keep an organised and searchable archive of what they have found.
For members with a creative permit, the app also includes a separate area for recording finished pieces made from finds. This makes it possible to document both raw finds and completed creative work within the same platform.
Finds and creations can each have their own image galleries. Photos can be used for personal reference, catalogue presentation, and public display where appropriate.
The blog feature allows members to publish longer pieces about visits, finds, historical research, creative work, or related subjects. Published posts can also appear on the member’s homepage.
The Diary Tool brings together selected finds and blog posts into a chronological narrative. This can be used to create a public account of the year or a fuller supporting record for permit renewal purposes.
Diaries can be shared publicly, kept inactive until needed, or featured on the homepage. This gives members control over how and when longer-form material is presented.
Each member can create a public-facing homepage featuring a display name, biography, profile image, hero image, selected public content, and external links. This provides a single place to present their mudlarking activity.
Members can add links to websites, shops, and social media accounts, which appear on the homepage as visible buttons. This is particularly useful for creative permit holders and those wishing to link their wider online presence.
The directory allows members to browse other users and discover their public pages. It supports the community side of the platform by making members easier to find.
The Community area provides discussion boards where members can start threads, reply to posts, and take part in conversation about finds, identification, foreshore visits, and related topics.
The app supports private, delayed, and public material. This allows members to control what is shown immediately, what is held back, and what remains for personal record only.
Members can personalise their presence through profile settings such as display name, bio, listing image, hero image, and theme selection.
The purpose of the Mudlark App is to provide a practical and lasting home for the wider life of mudlarking: not only the recording of objects, but also the stories, research, creative work, and annual narrative that grow around them.