Visitors to the pebbled beaches of Cumberland, England have been warned: Take your vacation, but leave our pebbles. The local council says violators are at risk of a £1000 fine.
Cumberland Council says its aim is to protect the environment and land from coastal erosion as part of new strategies for climate and nature preservation. The pebbles play a key role in avoiding or slowing beach erosion. Taking the pebbles of shells violates the 1949 Coast Protection Act.
Councillor Bob Kelly, executive portfolio holder 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."
The Italian island of Sardinia is also facing issues of 'human-powered erosion' on its beaches; a local group estimates that visitors are taking away at least six tonnes of sand and pebbles each year. It's been illegal since 2017 to remove sand, shells or pebbles and warnings have been re-issued; fines can range from €500 to €3000.
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