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. They are due to be reviewed in line with Thanet’s new Beach and Coast PSPO (2021) and related Code of Conduct
Coastal Codes
- Main Recreational Activities Location Map (1,158KB, pdf)*
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
- PSPO: Thanet ‘Beaches and Coast Public Space Protection Order’ (PSPO) & Code of Conduct (Leaflet) to replace coastal bylaws from 1 April 2021 (TDC)
- PSPO: Dog Walking on the Thanet Coast (detailed map: dog zones)
- ADVICE: Rockpooling Guidelines/Code – is available on our Learning Zone
- ADVICE: Shellfish Collection Rules Poster (PDF, 2024)
- ADVICE: North East Kent Research Code The NE Kent Scientific Advisory’s Group has produced the voluntary NE Kent Research Code for anyone carrying out research in the area to complement the Thanet Coastal Codes.
- ADVICE: Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code: advice for visitors (DEFRA, 24 May 2023)
- ADVICE: The Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve (NNR) – information & advice to reduce disturbance to Kent’s largest NNR (led by Kent Wildlife Trust on behalf of all the landowners/partners).
- ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve (TDC; KWT; NE)
- 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
Please follow the Thanet Coastal Codes
- Respect Coastal Wildlife
- Consider other users
- Stay safe
- Be environmentally friendly
