British beachgoers could face hefty £1,000 fine this summer for 'harmless' activity

When it comes to taking a trip to a , whether it's a or simply for the day, there are plenty of rules, both said and unsaid, that we abide by, or beach etiquette, so to speak. Red flags in the sand mean it's not safe to go for a dip, rubbish should always be collected and thrown in a , and generally speaking, music should be kept at a volume that doesn't disturb other beachgoers.

However, some of these rules aren't just beach etiquette but laws, and if broken, could result in quite a hefty fine. Even something as simple as letting your pooch off the lead on a beach where Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are in place could result in a . It's not just UK beaches that have rules in place, either; has also introduced a new law that . Sprawling out on the sand and soaking up the sun, going to the beach should be a relaxing experience, but it can become quite the opposite if you break the law. One activity that many of us might be tempted to take part in, and could be considered harmless, is in fact a serious threat to ecosystems and could see you fined up to £1,000.

When heading to one of the UK's many stunning beaches, complete with golden sands and dazzling blue water, many of us are often tempted to take a memento home as a reminder of our time away.

Collecting pebbles or even some sand to display on a shelf back home might be seen as a harmless activity, and a way to keep a little part of that perfect day spent at the beach with us, but it's actually illegal.

Ahead of the warmer months and upcoming holidays, ecology experts at Arbtech have issued a warning to British beachgoers, warning that not only is it illegal, it's also damaging to coastal environments, natural defences and habitats.

In line with the Coast Protection Act 1949, it's illegal to remove any natural materials from beaches, and this includes pebbles, seashells, plants, sand and rocks that help preserve coastal environments.

Local councils are responsible for enforcing this law and can be particularly strict in popular tourist hotspots that have previously dealt with pebbles and other materials being taken from beaches by visitors.

Andrew Ward from Arbtech said: "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.

"One person taking a pebble or shell may not seem like much, but when thousands of visitors are doing the same, it can have drastic impacts on the coastal environment. Over time, we could start to see increased erosion, the loss of natural sea defences, and disruption to habitats that many species rely on.

"The law is clear and it's not just there to spoil any fun. It's a reminder that beaches are protected for a reason. We all have a role to play in preserving the environment so that it can continue to thrive for generations to come."

While it might seem like a harmless activity, and something we might have done as children, many beach materials, including seashells, are important microhabitats for wildlife and removing them can disturb the ecosystem.

Sticking to a postcard or a magnet is a safer option for grabbing a memento, and it doesn't risk harming the local environment, either.