From litter to camping: The UK’s beach rules on waste and more you need to know

Looking to make the most of autumn? You might be planning crisp walks along the coast, with fresh sea air and quieter beaches. But did you know these 4 things could still land you with fines of up to £2,500 if caught?

Dropping litter

It might sound obvious, but littering is one of the most common offences along UK coastlines, spoiling the natural beauty and threatening local wildlife. Anyone caught leaving rubbish behind could face up to £2,500 in penalty fines if prosecuted. So, always pack a bag for your waste or use nearby bins before you leave. Even the on-the-spot fines that don’t reach court have recently been increased from a maximum of £150 to £500.

Using a disposable barbecue

A beach barbecue might be a tradition, but it’s important to know that some areas have outright banned disposable grills to protect delicate coastal habitats. Where these bans are in place, you could be fined up to £100 if you’re caught cooking on one. So, check the local rules before lighting up the charcoal. These bans and restrictions are in place for 2 main reasons:

• Preventing wildfires: This is the biggest concern in drier, grassier or wooded areas, like national parks. Disposable barbecues can stay hot for many hours after use and can easily ignite fires if not properly extinguished and removed.
• Protecting the environment: The bans also work to protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife. Fires can destroy habitats and harm animals, and discarded barbecue waste can contaminate the environment.

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Taking pebbles or shells

It might seem harmless to take home a pebble or two as a souvenir, but under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, removing natural materials from public beaches is illegal. Breaking this law could see you facing fines of up to £1,000!

What’s the problem with taking pebbles from the beach?

The law was created in 1949 to combat coastal erosion and protect the UK’s coastline from damage. Shingles and pebbles act as a natural flood defence, absorbing the energy of waves and protecting the land behind them. Removing them can make the coastline more vulnerable to erosion and increase the risk of flooding in coastal communities. Similarly, pebbles and shells offer habitat for various marine life and microorganisms, and removing them can disrupt their local ecosystem.

Camping on the beach

Camping is prohibited on most UK beaches to prevent antisocial behaviour and protect the environment from waste being left. Restrictions on beaches aren’t covered by one national law. Instead, local councils create bylaws that control activities like camping to protect public spaces.

Many councils also use Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which are legal measures designed to reduce antisocial behaviour in public areas. Camping is often banned on beaches (like Dorset Council hope to do) because it can lead to late-night parties, loud noise, and littering – all of which can disturb nearby residents and other visitors.

Setting up a tent, especially below the high tide line, can also be extremely dangerous. Campers risk being cut off by the tide or even being swept out to sea, and fires for cooking or warmth can risk uncontrolled wildfires in areas with dry grass or dunes.

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