Latest news with #CoastalProtectionAct1949
South Wales Guardian
8 hours ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Fine warning for taking seashells and pebbles from beaches
However, beachgoers are being warned they could be breaking the law without even realising it, and fines may be on the way. Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, the removal of any natural material such as shells, sand and pebbles from public beaches in the UK is illegal. Previously, a tourist who had holidayed near Crackington Haven beach, Cornwall was forced to drive hundreds of miles back to the popular holiday spot in order to return some pebbles he had taken from the beach. Removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. (Image: Getty/Spooh) Additionally, in 2018, the Metro reported on a group of thieves who were described by the paper as 'grain gangs'. They would use JCB diggers to take large quantities of sand from Hemsby beach in Norfolk, in order to sell it on to builders. Meanwhile over in Devon, council gardeners were forced to microchip public plants after suffering a 'severe' amount of thefts in the area. Andrew Ward, ecological consultant at ecology and biodiversity consultancy firm Arbtech, told the BBC: '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 may not seem like much, but when thousands of people do the same thing every summer, the consequences add up. 'The law isn't there to spoil anyone's fun—it's a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. 'By leaving the beach just as we found it, we help ensure it remains a thriving habitat for generations to come.' Bans on seemingly harmless acts can be enforced by local councils, and can see offenders fined up to £1,000 as a penalty. Yet while it may seem perfectly harmless, removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. As suggested by the name of the Act, and as stated in the introduction of the Act, taking natural material from a beach in the UK is illegal, in order to protect Britain's beaches 'against erosion and encroachment by the sea'. Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.
Rhyl Journal
8 hours ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Fine warning for taking seashells and pebbles from beaches
However, beachgoers are being warned they could be breaking the law without even realising it, and fines may be on the way. Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, the removal of any natural material such as shells, sand and pebbles from public beaches in the UK is illegal. Previously, a tourist who had holidayed near Crackington Haven beach, Cornwall was forced to drive hundreds of miles back to the popular holiday spot in order to return some pebbles he had taken from the beach. Removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. (Image: Getty/Spooh) Additionally, in 2018, the Metro reported on a group of thieves who were described by the paper as 'grain gangs'. They would use JCB diggers to take large quantities of sand from Hemsby beach in Norfolk, in order to sell it on to builders. Meanwhile over in Devon, council gardeners were forced to microchip public plants after suffering a 'severe' amount of thefts in the area. Andrew Ward, ecological consultant at ecology and biodiversity consultancy firm Arbtech, told the BBC: '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 may not seem like much, but when thousands of people do the same thing every summer, the consequences add up. 'The law isn't there to spoil anyone's fun—it's a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. 'By leaving the beach just as we found it, we help ensure it remains a thriving habitat for generations to come.' Bans on seemingly harmless acts can be enforced by local councils, and can see offenders fined up to £1,000 as a penalty. Yet while it may seem perfectly harmless, removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. As suggested by the name of the Act, and as stated in the introduction of the Act, taking natural material from a beach in the UK is illegal, in order to protect Britain's beaches 'against erosion and encroachment by the sea'. Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.
North Wales Chronicle
8 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Fine warning for taking seashells and pebbles from beaches
However, beachgoers are being warned they could be breaking the law without even realising it, and fines may be on the way. Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, the removal of any natural material such as shells, sand and pebbles from public beaches in the UK is illegal. Previously, a tourist who had holidayed near Crackington Haven beach, Cornwall was forced to drive hundreds of miles back to the popular holiday spot in order to return some pebbles he had taken from the beach. Removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. (Image: Getty/Spooh) Additionally, in 2018, the Metro reported on a group of thieves who were described by the paper as 'grain gangs'. They would use JCB diggers to take large quantities of sand from Hemsby beach in Norfolk, in order to sell it on to builders. Meanwhile over in Devon, council gardeners were forced to microchip public plants after suffering a 'severe' amount of thefts in the area. Andrew Ward, ecological consultant at ecology and biodiversity consultancy firm Arbtech, told the BBC: '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 may not seem like much, but when thousands of people do the same thing every summer, the consequences add up. 'The law isn't there to spoil anyone's fun—it's a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. 'By leaving the beach just as we found it, we help ensure it remains a thriving habitat for generations to come.' Bans on seemingly harmless acts can be enforced by local councils, and can see offenders fined up to £1,000 as a penalty. Yet while it may seem perfectly harmless, removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. As suggested by the name of the Act, and as stated in the introduction of the Act, taking natural material from a beach in the UK is illegal, in order to protect Britain's beaches 'against erosion and encroachment by the sea'. Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.
South Wales Argus
8 hours ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Fine warning for taking seashells and pebbles from beaches
However, beachgoers are being warned they could be breaking the law without even realising it, and fines may be on the way. Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, the removal of any natural material such as shells, sand and pebbles from public beaches in the UK is illegal. Previously, a tourist who had holidayed near Crackington Haven beach, Cornwall was forced to drive hundreds of miles back to the popular holiday spot in order to return some pebbles he had taken from the beach. Removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. (Image: Getty/Spooh) Additionally, in 2018, the Metro reported on a group of thieves who were described by the paper as 'grain gangs'. They would use JCB diggers to take large quantities of sand from Hemsby beach in Norfolk, in order to sell it on to builders. Meanwhile over in Devon, council gardeners were forced to microchip public plants after suffering a 'severe' amount of thefts in the area. Andrew Ward, ecological consultant at ecology and biodiversity consultancy firm Arbtech, told the BBC: '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 may not seem like much, but when thousands of people do the same thing every summer, the consequences add up. 'The law isn't there to spoil anyone's fun—it's a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. 'By leaving the beach just as we found it, we help ensure it remains a thriving habitat for generations to come.' Why is it illegal? Bans on seemingly harmless acts can be enforced by local councils, and can see offenders fined up to £1,000 as a penalty. Yet while it may seem perfectly harmless, removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment. As suggested by the name of the Act, and as stated in the introduction of the Act, taking natural material from a beach in the UK is illegal, in order to protect Britain's beaches 'against erosion and encroachment by the sea'. Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.
South Wales Guardian
02-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
5 little-known illegal activities to avoid on UK beaches
It's worth knowing that some simple and well-loved beach activities are illegal in the UK with beachgoers facing fines up to £2,500 if they're caught. To help you stay on the right side of the law when enjoying the beach, experts from Wheeldon Brothers have urged Brits to be aware of these five little-known illegal activities. The experts at Wheeldon Brothers remind beachgoers that 'dropping litter not only spoils the beauty of our shores but also poses a direct threat to fish.' They added: 'By ensuring we take our rubbish home with us, we can play our part in preserving our beaches for future generations." Those who drop litter or leave a lot of waste could be prosecuted in court or fined up to £2,500 if they're found guilty. Beachgoers must follow local guidelines, 'especially those aimed at protecting fragile coastal environments', when it comes to having a BBQ at the beach. Single-use BBQs are illegal on some UK beaches and being caught with one could mean you're issued with a £100 fine. While taking shells or pebbles home from your beach trip might seem like an innocent act, you'll need to respect the Coastal Protection Act 1949. The Act says it's illegal to take natural materials from public beaches. Those who are caught could face fines of up to £1,000. In the majority of regions across the UK, camping on the beach is prohibited to curb anti-social behaviour. The experts advise looking for a nearby camping site instead. Recommended reading: Is it illegal to take pebbles from the beach? What the law says Dog owners could face £1,000 fine for breaking beach rule from May Wild swimming and paddleboarding accessories to help you make a splash this year They add: "Staff who work at the beaches frequently conduct hourly patrols in these zones, and campers who refuse to relocate may incur fines of up to £1000 or even face legal prosecution." The experts explain: 'If you trespass on a private beach without permission, you could face fines or legal repercussions. 'Ensure that the beaches you intend to visit are accessible to the public.'
