BEACH-GOERS in the UK could face fines of as much as £20,000 if they break simple rules regarding wild plants.
Laws state that people found guilty of removing vegetation without permission could be handed the hefty fines after a rise in the number of incidents at Hoylake Beach at the Wirral.
Warnings were issued following reports of vegetation being pulled or dug up and then left either on the promenade or on the beach.
It is thought that the activity is related to an ongoing dispute regarding the management of the beach.
Wirral Globe reports that the local council stopped managing the beach in 2019, allowing weeds and plants to grow.
The council has since put together a plan to deal with the area, which will be put to the public in the next few months.
The problem with the plants stems from the fact that the beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is therefore protected, including the vegetation that grows on it.
The vegetation is important for several conservation reasons.
Special permission is therefore needed to remove any of the plants, but the council say there have been reports of diggers and strimmers being used by members of the public, as well as weed killer.
A Natural England spokesperson told the Globe: “The foreshore at Hoylake is important for a range of conservation interests including intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarsh, sand dune and non-breeding waders and waterbirds.
“Removal of vegetation from the beach is damaging to the Site of Special Scientific Interest and can only be carried out with the right permissions.
“Unauthorised removal of vegetation is an offence under Section 28P of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is liable of a fine of up to £20,000.”
There are some other rules you might not know you’re breaking next time you’re at the beach that could get you into trouble.
One of those is dog walking, with a lot of councils around the UK imposing restrictions on dogs on their beaches as they get busier during the summer.
Owners who are caught breaking the rules could risk being fined £100, so it’s always best to check before taking their dog to the seaside.
Meanwhile, having a barbecue by the sea could also get you into trouble in certain parts of the country.
It’s perfectly legal to have BBQs on the beach in some parts of the UK, but plenty of local councils are now implementing their own rules that mean you cannot use disposable BBQs,
This is done to protect wildlife and reduce littering along the coast.
Having single-use disposable barbecues on some beaches where they are not allowed could see you hit with a hefty £100 fine, while your cooking equipment will be confiscated.
Meanwhile, there are also some lesser-known laws in Spain that can lead to big fines.
And holidaymakers have also been warned to be alert in Italy, where big fines have been handed out for some relatively small crimes.
