Latest news with #CoastProtectionAct1949
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
UK holidaymakers warned of hefty £1,000 fine for collecting certain souvenirs
Experts advise against taking home a pebble, seashell, or even a handful of sand from a UK beach. With the summer holiday season fully underway, millions of Brits will be enjoying some well-earned rest, both in the UK and abroad. However, experts are keen to warn travellers of an innocent beach tradition which could land them in trouble. Scotland has been engulfed in hot temperatures and humid heat this week, meaning many families will be heading straight for the nearest beach to enjoy some sun, sea and sand, but did you know that taking some cute seashells and pebbles home from the beach could land you with a hefty fine up to £1000 What seems like an innocent keepsake, whether a handful of sand or a pretty seashell, could actually carry serious consequences. Visitors naturally instinctively scour and collect souvenirs from the shore, such as a pebble picked up along the coastline, a scoop of soft sand, or a pretty shell found by the water's edge. But taking these treasures home could violate environmental protection laws, and if caught, potentially lead to fines of up to £1,000, confiscation, and, in rare instances, prosecution. Under the Coast Protection Act 1949, it is illegal to remove natural materials from Britain's coastline. The legislation applies to shells, stones, driftwood, and other items commonly found on the shore. Ultimately, it exists to protect fragile habitats and prevent long-term erosion. Neil Atkinson, travel expert and owner of Luxury Group Stay, said: "The UK's coastline remains one of our most cherished national assets, drawing an increasing number of visitors opting for staycations close to a beach this summer. 'It's essential that holidaymakers understand how even small actions can have a significant impact. From many perspectives, taking shells or pebbles comes across as a harmless token to represent your trip, but these natural elements are vital for preserving our beaches and supporting local wildlife. "There's a surge in staycations, especially to seaside spots, so respecting regulations is hugely important to safeguard these stunning environments for years to come. The threat of fines reflects the need for responsible tourism and sustainable enjoyment of our coastlines." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In a recent reminder, Cumberland Council has warned visitors and residents alike to leave pebbles, shells, and sand on beaches or face fines up to £1,000 in line with the Coast Protection Act 1949. This warning highlights increasing concerns over the impact of souvenir collecting on fragile coastal environments. These materials are a vital part of the ecosystem. Empty shells often become homes for marine creatures such as hermit crabs, while pebbles and driftwood contribute to the natural defence of the coastline against the sea. Removing them on a large scale, even unintentionally, can damage biodiversity and undermine coastal stability.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Families could face a £1,000 fine for ‘innocent' beach ‘mistake' this summer
Council warns even a handful of sand could harm fragile coastal habitats forever FINE PRINT Families could face a £1,000 fine for 'innocent' beach 'mistake' this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYMAKERS could face fines of up to £1,000 this summer for the seemingly innocent act of taking pebbles, shells or sand from beaches Visitors who take beach 'souvenirs' home with them risk breaking the law under the Coast Protection Act 1949. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The law applies to the whole UK coastline and covers shells, stones, driftwood and other natural materials What may seem like a harmless keepsake, a smooth stone, a scoop of soft sand, or a shell from the shoreline, is actually protected by law. Removing these items can lead to fines, confiscation, and, in rare cases, prosecution. Why the rules exist? The law applies to the whole UK coastline and covers shells, stones, driftwood and other natural materials. It was introduced to protect delicate marine habitats and to stop the gradual erosion of our beaches. These natural defences play a vital role in protecting wildlife and shielding coastal areas from storm damage. Empty shells are often taken over by creatures such as hermit crabs, while pebbles help break the force of waves hitting the shore. Even small amounts taken by millions of visitors each year can add up to a significant loss. Experts warn that once these natural buffers are gone, they can take decades to return — if they return at all. With more Britons than ever opting for seaside staycations this summer, environmental pressure is growing. Research shows nearly 69 per cent are holidaying in the UK this year, rising to over three-quarters among 25-44-year-olds. Popular beach spots include Weymouth, Brighton, Sandbanks, and Durdle Door. Woman fined £1,600 after visiting 'hidden gem' pink beach during European holiday 'it's not JUST a shell' Neil Atkinson, travel expert and owner of Luxury Group Stay, said: 'The UK's coastline remains one of our most cherished national assets, drawing an increasing number of visitors opting for staycations close to a beach this summer. 'It's essential that holidaymakers understand how even small actions can have a significant impact. "From many perspectives, taking shells or pebbles comes across as a harmless token to represent your trip, but these natural elements are vital for preserving our beaches and supporting local wildlife. "There's a surge in staycations, especially to seaside spots, so respecting regulations is hugely important to safeguard these stunning environments for years to come. "The threat of fines reflects the need for responsible tourism and sustainable enjoyment of our coastlines." Authorities say they're not trying to spoil people's fun, but to ensure future generations can enjoy the same pristine beaches. They urge visitors to take only photographs and leave only footprints. Other strict beach laws around the world Spain Leaving the beach without covering up swimwear - fines up to £500 Smoking on the beach - fines up to £1,700 Swimming in the sea after midnight- fines up to £1,020 Being naked on non-nudist beaches - fines up to £560 France Smoking on beaches Italy Taking pebbles - fines up to £2,500 UK Walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30 - fines of £1,000 Dropping rubbish - fines up to £2,500 Taking pebbles - fines up to £1,000 Camping on beaches - fines up to £1,000
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tourists on UK beaches warned of habit that could land them £1,000 fine
Brits heading to beaches this summer may want to double check the local rules and guidelines - or they could face hefty fees for an easy mistake Brits planning a staycation this summer will want to take note of one habit that could land them with a £1,000 fine. When heading to the beach, it doesn't seem uncommon to pick up a shell or pebble to take home as a memento; but this seemingly harmless habit actually can have ramifications on an area's eco-system, not to mention you could inadvertently be breaking the law. In fact, the Coast Protection Act 1949 makes it illegal to remove natural materials from beaches, with the law aiming to protect coastal environments by preventing erosion and preserving natural habitats. It's not just pebbles and sand - the law covers any kind of natural materials taken from public beaches. (It's worth noting that the Coast Protection Act applies to beaches across England and Wales only - Scotland has its own version.) Eco experts at Arbtech have warned that pebbles and sand play an important part in a beach's natural defence against erosion, absorbing wave energy which protects cliffs, dunes, and inland areas. They add that beach materials such as shells or driftwood can also provide microhabitats for wildlife, so taking these materials can directly disturb local ecosystems. Andrew Ward from Arbtech said: "What may seem like a harmless holiday keepsake is, in fact, part of a delicate and vital ecosystem, and could even cost you a fine of up to £1,000. One person taking a pebble or shell may not seem like much, but when thousands of visitors are doing the same, it can have drastic impacts on the coastal environment. "Over time we could start to see increased erosion, the loss of natural sea defences, and disruption to habitats that many species rely on. The law is clear and it's not just there to spoil any fun. It's a reminder that beaches are protected for a reason. We all have a role to play in preserving the environment so that it can continue to thrive for generations to come." More often than not, beaches will have clear signs warning visitors against removing the pebbles and sands, and there have been reports in previous years of tourists being ordered to return pebbles to the beach, or face receiving a fine, even after they have left the coast. It's not the first time that tourists have been warned when it comes to rocks or pebbles in tourist hotspots. In recent years there's been increasing calls for visitors to stop 'rock stacking', especially in national parks. Rock stacks, or cairns, can be found on many of the highest peaks across the nation, and have become a popular activity for hikers. While rock stacking is seen by some as an art form, others have slammed the practice as just being an excuse for someone to take a photo for their social media feeds. Meanwhile, environmental campaigners have warned that moving rocks from their spot on a beach or in the countryside can have a knock-on ecological effect, such as accidentally destroying a nest or home of local wildlife.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Brits face £1,000 fine for common innocent beach activity
With the weather heating up and the Bank Holiday on the horizon, many Brits will be planning to take a trip to the seaside. But daytrippers have been warned that a common beach activity could earn them an unwelcome fine. While it might seem like a nice idea to take a pebble or shell home from the beach, tourists can actually be fined £1,000 for doing so. The Coast Protection Act 1949 states that it is against the law to remove natural materials from British beaches. The rule is in place to protect beaches from erosion and banned items include sea shells, pebbles and sand. Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, says: 'While picking up a seashell might seem like a harmless souvenir, removing natural materials from beaches, including shells, stones and even driftwood can, in some cases, be illegal. 'Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is illegal to remove natural materials like sand and pebbles from public beaches, without permission, as this can contribute to coastal erosion and damage delicate ecosystems. 'While the Act primarily targets larger-scale removal, individuals can still fall foul of the law, especially in protected areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, national parks, or heritage coastlines. 'If someone is found to be in breach of this Act, they could face a fine of up to £1,000, or more if prosecuted under related environmental legislation.' Cumberland Council in North West England is one of the councils with a £1,000 fine for beachgoers who pinch a shell or rock. Councillor Bob Kelly has said: 'Taking a pebble or shell from a beach, can in fact damage the environment. 'We are asking people to leave the pebbles, shells and sand as we all want to ensure that our beaches remain vibrant and intact for future generations.'
