Wildlife
Be mindful of the local wildlife. Inform yourself about breeding seasons and behaviour of the animals likely to be present. Make sure to watch out for ground-breeding birds (like our mascot the Ringed Plover!), keep to the path to avoid disturbing their nests. Keep your distance to any wildlife, even if that means you have to pass on that selfie with the cute seal pup! If you see an animal in distress, inform the local authority, the RSPCA (0300 1234999) or local wildlife organisations.
Strandings
Please report any live strandings of marine animals to:
England & Wales:
RSPCA 0300 1234999
British Divers Marine Life Rescue 01825 765546
Scotland:
SSPCA 0131 3390111
Report all UK strandings of dead cetaceans to:
Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme 0800 652 0333
Ideally, you will also
Take a photograph of the animal
Estimate the animal's size in metres or feet.
Note the exact location and date.
Send these details and your photos to strandings@nhm.ac.uk
Find more informations on the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) here.
Dunes
Dunes are fragile habitats: Always stay on designated paths. Trampling vegetation on dunes can change the structure of dunes, alter erosion patterns, destroy the vegetation and affect the animals that use the dunes as habitat.
General Behaviour
Walk around flocks of birds or hauled out seals to avoid disturbance.
Respect signs designating restrictions to sensitive habitat areas.
Stay out of fenced areas – the fences are there for a reason
Clean up after yourself – pick up and remove trash. Always leave the coast cleaner than you found it!
Keep children/dogs from chasing the birds and do not feed wildlife.
Do not remove animals from their habitat. When rock pooling, make sure to return any animals you looked at to the exact spot you took them from and keep handling to a minimum.
Always follow the Countryside Code.
Dogs
Keep your dog on a leash at all times unless you are in a designated area which allows dogs to run free.
Even the most peaceful dog can cause breeding birds to abandon their clutch, leaving the chicks to die.
Always clean up after your dog and do not forget to take the poo bag with you after you did!
Wellbeing
Take your time to experience the coast with all your senses. Listen, smell, taste, feel. You can find some great ideas how to get the most out of your trip to the sea here.