General Researcher Seashore Code
- Respect coastal wildlife
- Try to leave everything as you find it.
- Always carefully replace stones or seaweed when collecting.
- Tread carefully and avoid disturbing wildlife on the shore. Use coastal footpaths where present.
- Take care to avoid fast or erratic movements or noise that may put feeding or roosting coastal birds to flight
- Stay clear of the main bird roosts, and summer breeding grounds (1st April to 31st July). For information on other bird roosts/breeding areas, contact English Nature in advance of starting your work.
- Consider our coastline and other users
- Take your rubbish home and report hazards.
- Try to avoid damaging the cliffs or chalk rocks especially on the lower shore, where it is fragile.
- Back-fill any holes that you dig to restore the seashore and make it safe for other users.
- Take care to avoid disturbance to archaeological sites on the beach
- Don’t block public access
- Respect the rights of all other users.
- Monitoring equipment needs to be adequately marked – especially at night, and should not cause an obstruction or hazard. Relevant authorities should be informed of its location.
- Stay safe
- Check tide times to avoid being cut off and let someone know where you are going.
- Check bay signs for activity zones, bylaws and local beach safety information. Keep away from areas that may cause a danger with other priority users, such as at designated launch sites or within moorings.
- Be aware of local hazards and conditions.
- Wear clothing suitable for the weather or coastal conditions – such as windproofs, waterproofs, wellies, or sun creams.
- Take care:
- near cliffs and don’t throw anything over the edge.
- walking on slippery rocks, slopes or near the edge of promenades.
- walking on soft sand and mud
- Be scientifically responsible
- Register your research
- You may need the landowner’s permission – contact the local authority to establish land ownership – and always request permission when extracting or removing items
- Limit your collecting to the minimum you need for your work.
- Follow your specific professional or association guidelines.