UK beach warning as little-known rule could lead to £1,000 fine

The UK has many beautiful beaches, with some of them even being ranked among the best in for their turquoise shores. Keeping them in pristine condition can be quite the challenge, especially over summer when there are more visitors.

It's always worth checking the rules when planning a trip to the , as they can vary depending on where you're headed. While some rules like playing loud music that disturbs other beachgoers are unspoken, others are more strictly enforced, especially leaving litter behind or bringing pooches onto a beach they're not permitted. Some aren't just rules either, they're in fact laws that if broken, can land you with a hefty fine.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) sees many local councils enforce seasonal restrictions on bringing dogs onto beaches during busier months, but there's some laws that might surprise you.

Knowing these laws can save a relaxing trip to the beach from quickly turning into an expensive visit. One seemingly innocent act is, in fact, illegal on British beaches, and could see you fined up to £1,000, .

Ahead of the holiday season, ecology experts at Arbtech are putting out a reminder to avid beachgoers about the seemingly innocent act of taking pebbles, seashells, or sand from our beaches.

Many of us are often tempted to take a souvenir home as a reminder of a perfect day spent by the beach basking in the sun and sea, but under the Coast Protection Act 1949, it's illegal to remove pebbles from the beach.

It's not just pebbles either, the law states that the removal of any natural material from UK beaches including shells, plants and rocks, is illegal.

While it might seem harmless, these materials are essential to maintaining coastal ecosystems, and removing them can be a serious threat to them.

Local authorities have the duty to enforce this law, with particular diligence in favoured tourist sites that have been impacted by such removals in the past.

Arbtech's Andrew Ward said: "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."

While nabbing shells for souvenirs might hark back to childhood days, and make for a great addition to a living room shelf, these beach treasures actually provide essential microhabitats for local wildlife, and pinching them can disrupt these.

Pick up a postcard or fridge magnet to keep your wallet and the local habitat safe instead.