Seashore Code – Thanet Coast

For all coastal users:

Try to leave everything as you find it
Tread carefully on the rocky shore to minimise impact on coastal wildlife
Avoid putting coastal birds to flight between 1 October and 31 March, especially at high tide or at night
Stay clear of the main bird roost areas between 1 October and 31 March, and the summer breeding grounds between 1 April and 31 July on the shingle beaches by the lagoons

Take your rubbish home and report any potential hazards
Try to avoid damaging rocks, especially on the lower shore, where the chalk is most fragile
Dont block public access or right of way and use official car parks where possible
Only authorised vehicles are allowed to use the foreshore or promenades
Respect the rights of all other users

Check tide times to avoid being cut off from the shore and tell someone where you’re going.
Check bay signs for activity zones, bylaws and local beach safety information.
Be aware of local hazards and conditions.
Take care near cliffs and don’t throw anything over the edge.
Beware of walking on slippery rocks, slopes or near the edge of promenades.
Keep away from soft sand and mud.

Volunteer to help on ‘beach-cleans’ and support environmental campaigns
Take photos only, and buy postcards, books or posters of marine creatures – instead of ‘marine curios’ such as shells and starfish, which may have been alive when collected.
Buy products and produce that do not harm the environment, such as environmentally friendly detergents or locally caught (non endangered) fish
Remember to recycle and dispose of your waste properly – remember car oil, paints and solvents all need special land-based disposal and plastics should not be flushed down with bathroom waste