BEACHCOMBING - TO TAKE OR NOT TO TAKE.

We love our beaches, don't we?

Beaches are natural laboratories. Whether they are grassy shores, sandy dunes, rocky coastlines or muddy banks, we can’t get enough of them. You can find so many gems and treasures and lots of amazing things among the expanse of sands or stones.

Beachcombing is a fascinating and soothing mindful activity. It allows you to journey into your own unknown, as you explore the shoreline in search of those treasures.

We love our beaches so much that when we find something interesting on the beach, we want to take it home with us. But are we allowed to take items away from the shoreline?

Well, the first thing that we can definitely take away is our litter.

No two ways about it.

Litter should not be on our beaches, or any part of our beautiful lands. Not only is it an eye sore, it also impacts on the lives of our wildlife.

While most people are aware of this problem and act accordingly, there are still people out there who do not adhere to this rule and leave rubbish where it shouldn't be. The fine for littering is up to £2500 as it is a criminal offence, but why is there no financial reward for the rest of us who have to clean up after them.  However, it is our choice to pick up others litter, I suppose we are the ones with the conscience.

What should not be taken are pebbles and sand. However, you often find homes with the odd pebble or two taken from some beach to remind them of a family holiday, a special moment, some memory not wanting to be forgotten.   Rocks, pebbles and sand are natural materials and by UK Law, the removal of such natural matter is illegal and you could be fined up to £1000.

Why though?

Because of the Coastal Protection Act 1949.

It was created to support the coastlines of the UK against erosion and encroachment by the seas.  All these elements act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.

These minerals that have formed into shapely rocks not only protect against the loss of valuable land, but also help prevent a breakdown of marine ecosystems in storms and waves.

With all this in mind though, as far as I am aware there is yet no Beach Pebble Squad that are going to taser you as soon as you take a handful of pebbles.

But what about Sea glass? The captivating compact forms of beach debris, a mixture of both natural and manmade sources and it can be found pretty much on every saltwater beach in the world.

Something that was once an everyday object, such as a glass bottle or jar, would end up in the ocean - either from shipwrecks or when it was common to discard glass waste into the sea - and then over time, the glass would break up and tumble with the tides to form little gems that many people, including me, just love today.

Due to the fact that sea glass isn’t involved with any natural processes that occur at the coast, there is no law against taking it. You are free to take it home. Beaches can be very specific in what they collect as currents, weather conditions, geography and offshore habitats will all influence your findings. Where I live, in Hampshire, sea glass is a rare find. The best beach locally to me where I have found some charming pieces would be Stokes Bay in Gosport.

As for my favourite; driftwood, it is a natural resource, a gift from Mother Nature.  Along with shells, mermaid's purses and other inanimate objects, these treasures are for the taking almost anywhere, within reason.

While it isn’t illegal under the Coastal  Protection Act 1949 to take driftwood or seashells, we have to remember that the beach is a place of beauty and relaxation, but it also serves an important purpose as an essential habitat for wildlife.

So, if you do enjoy collecting interesting objects washed in from the from the ocean upon the tide lines, take your time and be mindful that everything at the beach provides an essential habitat for wildlife.