featured-image

Visitors to certain beaches could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 for picking pebbles or seashells, warns the local council. The Cumberland Council has issued a stark warning, reminding holidaymakers that removing these natural materials from the county's beaches is in direct breach of the Coast Protection Act. Councillor Bob Kelly of Cumberland voiced his understanding of people's desires to collect such items but highlighted the bigger picture.

"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," he explained. Emphasising the importance of respecting our beaches as integral ecosystems, Councillor Kelly noted, "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.



" Read more: Tech writer picks out sales to shop for cheap iPhone 15 and free Samsung earphones St. Bees beach, looking towards St. Bees Head on the Cumbrian coast ( Image: Getty Images) A mum in the US was slammed with a massive fine after her children gathered a number of clams thinking they were shells.

Charlotte Russ, hailing from Fresno, was supposed to be enjoying a quiet trip to Pismo Beach at the close of last year. However, after collecting what they believed to be 72 seashells, the mother-of-five was hit with the colos.

Back to Beauty Page