Avoid beachcombing (something lives inside or nearby)
Beachcombing may be a popular hobby in England and beyond.
It’s illegal to remove sand and pebbles from beaches (also don’t remove driftwood, as again it provides essential habitats for wildlife). Hermit crabs often hide in shells, as do many other tiny creatures that then naked eye can’t sea.
Nesting birds (and seals) often hide their young in sand dunes. Always keep to designated paths and keep dogs away. Learn more on how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Starfish live in rockpools and coasal waters and are related to sea urchins and sea cucumbers. They are living creatures, and should be left alone in peace. Never buy dried starfish from shops.
If you find one stranded on the sand, gently move it to the water (if it’s attached to a rock, leave it as it is using its feet to ‘suction to a rock’ and waiting for the tide, and you could harm it, if you pull it away. As long as it looks like the sea is going to come in soon, it should be okay.
If it looks like the water can’t cover it, try to use some water or a shell or small shovel, to gently prise it away without harm, so it can return to the sea, in order to survive. But be careful not to harm or pull its feet away harshly. Just removing a star fish from the water can harm its water vascular system.
If you see anyone removing or harming starfish, report it to local environmental authorities.
Report anyone disturbing or removing marine creatures to RSPCA, British Divers Marine Life Rescue or as wildlife crime (anonymous through Crimestoppers).
Why seaweed should be left alone
Harvesting seaweed (without knowing what you are doing) can harm shrimp habitats. Experts just ‘give seaweed a haircut’, without removing the roots.
Keep dogs away from seaweed fronds. They can expand in the stomach, once dry.
Driftwood gives insects places to live
Driftwoods creates shade and damp spots in hot weather. On some beaches, birds rest near it, and seedlings can take hold around it. What looks dead can still be busy.
Don’t remove driftwood from beaches, nor fallen leaves (both are home to tiny insects.
What about sea glass?
Sea glass is broken bottle litter washed smooth by the waves, to create jewellery. As long as it’s not disturbing habitats, this is okay used to make beautiful jewellery. Your earrings may have been a pirate’s beer bottle from hundreds of years ago. Shiver me timbers!
