Tourists visiting UK beaches have been warned to be careful what they take away with them or face a £1,000 fine.
Cumberland Council has warned people not to remove pebbles or shells from beaches in Cumbria as the Coastal Protection Act states it is unlawful in the UK to take any natural materials.
The council wants to educate visitors about the harm caused to the environment when shells are removed and warn them they could face a hefty fine.
Neil Dixon from the council said shells and pebbles, which are often collected as ornaments or souvenirs, act as a natural barrier protecting the land from coastal erosion.
He told MailOnline: “Although it might seem harmless to remove a few stones and pebbles from our beaches it is actually quite detrimental to the delicate ecosystem that is situated here.”
But locals have slammed the threat of fines, saying collecting shells is a normal and fun part of going to the beach.
Steve Emery, who lives in Allonby, Cumbria, told the same paper: “For young kids and families, it’s part of being at the seaside. It’s part of the history of Allonby.”
He was backed up by Scott MacKinnon who told the publication picking shells gives visitors a “souvenir of your day”, adding people should only be fined for “taking loads”.
Cumberland Councillor Bob Kelly, executive member for Cumberland policy and regulatory services, said: “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.”
