Brits face £1,000 fine for common innocent beach activity

By ESTHER MARSHALL

Published: 12:54 BST, 30 April 2025 | Updated: 12:54 BST, 30 April 2025

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. 

Daytrippers have been warned that a common beach activity could earn them an unwelcome fine

The Coast Protection Act 1949 states that it is against the law to remove natural materials from British beaches

‘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.’  

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Brits face £1,000 fine for common innocent beach activity

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