Thanet Coastal Codes

The Thanet coast is a valued open space used by many people for recreational activities. It is also highly valued for its plants, animals and birds. Local people agreed that a series of voluntary codes could help safeguard the area’s coastline and wildlife, whilst encouraging people to use the coast responsibly and safely.

Cracking the Codes

The Codes were written jointly by people involved in coastal activities and the Thanet Coast Project, and individuals and clubs are encouraged to support them. They will also be reviewed from time to time.

The first set of Thanet coastal codes were developed in 2002. The codes are reviewed by stakeholders on a regular basis, and shown online. If you would like to comment on any of the codes, please contact us so that they can be considered when next reviewed.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are in place along the coast, to help look after public spaces and keep people safe.  
Police or council officers can ask people to stop doing any restricted activity.   Failure to comply could result in Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of up to £100, prosecution, or fines of up to £1,000.
Please follow these guidelines to ensure PSPOs are not breached, and everyone can enjoy the coast.

Coastal Codes

Please click on the links to see the codes online.

Useful Links

  • NOTIFICATION:  School & Educational Beach Visit Notification – for School or Educational Group excursions to the Thanet Coast to notify Thanet Coast of their proposed visit
  • NOTIFICATION:  Organising an Event and group visits on Thanet’s beaches/open spaces needs to go through Thanet Council’s Events notification process to consider the impact on the surrounding area and services. These group visits include ones involving music, food, alcohol, equipment, corporate groups, large social groups, or running an activity or event on the beach. Private events (ie parties and weddings) are not permitted on Council land.
  • NOTIFICATION:  Metal Detecting Notification – on the Thanet Coast (TDC Coast & Beaches)   Note: Responsible Metal Detecting Code of Practice, c/o Portable Antiquities Scheme
  • NOTIFICATION: Reporting Dead animals in Thanet (Thanet Council)
  • REVIEW: Thanet Coastal Codes are reviewed by Advisory Group/Stakeholders/Management Group from time to time. Please forward any updates or suggestions to: thanet.coast@thanet.gov.uk

Respect our beaches, wildlife, and other beach users

Thanet's Beaches - Respect our beaches, wildlife, and other beach users

Thanet’s 15 sandy beaches and bays stretch from Pegwell Bay in the south to Minnis Bay in the north.
They are famed for their beauty and the wildlife they host, with the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk habitat in the country.
Thousands of visitors and residents visit to enjoy the coastline every year.
This guide gives information for everyone on how to respect our coast, wildlife and other beach users.

Remember to always:

  • Leave no trace. Respect our beaches as the natural habitats they are first and foremost. This means binning your rubbish or taking it home with you. Do not leave rubbish next to bins, this is littering and you will get a fine if caught.
  • Observe the water safety guidance for your safety and other people’s, especially swimmers. Call 999 in an emergency.
  • Keep a respectful distance between you and other beach users, especially when playing games. Don’t interfere with other people’s enjoyment of the beach.
  • Please don’t feed the seagulls! This means not leaving food open and lying around. The more food there is, the more seagulls will come, and they can become aggressive.

Restricted activity – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s)  may be issued

Please follow the Thanet Coastal Codes

  • Respect Coastal Wildlife
  • Consider other users
  • Stay safe
  • Be environmentally friendly

Viking Bay welcome sign