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"You're not going to find treasure," says Lara Maiklem aka 'The London Mudlark', "...and don't go rushing down there if you think you're going to get rich...you'll just get very muddy and wet".

Lara is London's foremost mudlarker and the spiritual figurehead of the hobby. Back in 2012 when she first shared her love for 'mudlarking' with the world, there were around 200 official mudlarkers registered with the Port of London Authority (PLA). Now, thanks in part to her, there are over 5000. 

Her new book ‘A Mudlarking Year: Finding Treasure in Every Season’ follows Lara over the course of a year providing a new glimpse into Lara’s obsession, her recent discoveries, and how mudlarking helps her to cope with the ups-and-downs of daily life.

Robert Elms has been speaking to her on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio London.

(Image credit: Getty Images)