BEACHGOERS could be slapped with a £1,000 fine for breaking this little-known seaside rule.
The law is in place to try and protect UK beaches, but is a hindrance for those that like to collect a coastal memento.
On a visit to the coast, many of us like to nab a little souvenir of the seaside in the form of a pebble or a shell.
But this action could land you with a fine of up to £1,000.
Cumberland Council is reminding tourists to leave beach materials on the shore or risk paying the fine.
The rule is implemented in The Coastal Protection Act, and is in place to protect the British coast “against erosion and encroachment by the sea”.
Under this act, it is against the law to take natural materials from the UK seafronts.
This includes materials such as sand, shells and pebbles.
The law can in turn be enforced by the local council and lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
While popping a pebble in your pocket on a beach stroll may feel harmless, mass numbers of materials disappearing from the beach can worsen the effects of coastal erosion.
This occurs when land located near the sea is worn away by the water.
The coast is better protected when there are more pebbles on the shore, which is why beach-goers are discouraged from taking home a memento.
Natural materials found on the beach also provide habitats for wildlife and protect the area from flooding.
Cumberland Councillor Bob Kelly, who is the 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.”