Experts warn that stripping beaches of their natural materials like shells, pebbles and sand contributes to coastal erosion, habitat loss, and the breakdown of natural sea defences.
According to Arbtech, one of the UK’s leading ecology and biodiversity consultancies, removing pebbles, shells, driftwood, or even sand from British beaches is illegal under the Coast Protection Act 1949.
While collecting these items may feel like a harmless childhood tradition or a quaint holiday habit, the impact on coastal environments is significant, warn experts.
“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,” said Andrew Ward, ecological consultant at Arbtech.
Natural features such as pebbles and sand play a crucial role in absorbing wave energy and protecting coastal areas from erosion. Shells and driftwood provide vital microhabitats for coastal wildlife, and removing them disrupts the fragile balance of these ecosystems.
Enforcement of the law falls to local councils, who target popular tourist destinations. In some areas, signs have been put up to deter what’s sometimes referred to as 'pebble theft'. In one high-profile case in 2018, a man in Cornwall was forced to return pebbles he had taken or face prosecution.
“One person taking a pebble may not seem like much,” said Ward, “but when thousands of people do the same thing every summer, the consequences add up.”
The Coast Protection Act was introduced to safeguard the UK’s vulnerable coastlines from degradation. As climate change increases the pressure on coastal areas, preserving natural sea defences is more important than ever.
“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,” Ward adds. “By leaving the beach just as we found it, we help ensure it remains a thriving habitat for generations to come.”
Learn more about the British coast: