The UK weather is hotting up and with two bank holidays to look forward to in May, many Brits may be planning a trip to the seaside to soak up some sunshine. But beachgoers are being cautioned against picking up a little memento of their day by the sea as taking certain items from the beach can result in fines of up to £1,000. Picking up sea shells or pebbles from the beach and taking them home may be a seemingly innocent pastime, but it is actually illegal to remove some materials without permission.

The Coast Protection Act 1949 says it is against the law to remove any natural materials from UK beaches, no matter the amount. This applies to items including sea shells, pebbles and sand, and is in place to help protect the natural environment from erosion.

Those who are caught taking these natural materials from beaches can be fined by local councils up to £1,000

Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, explains: “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 UK council that will enforce fines up to £1,000 if beachgoers take away pebbles and shells.

Cumberland Councillor Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, warns: “I understand people’s reluctance to follow this guidance, as I have been a collector of shells myself. But taking a pebble or a shell from a beach, can in fact damage the environment.

“Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, natural flood defences and wildlife habitats which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.

“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.”