[Willie_Eckerslike]

I've been reading up on plant foods, and seaweed seems an important plant food. I was wondering if it may make sense to do a trip to the coast, collect some seaweed in my trailer, dry it, shred it, and dig it into my plot, particularly with my potatoes............... but is it legal?

[arugula]

This depends on who owns the particular section of shoreline. If it is privately owned, you can and should ask permission.

Approximately half of the UK foreshore and around half of the tidal riverbeds are owned
by the Crown and managed by The Crown Estate,

The intertidal zone is otherwise known as the foreshore.

http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/174947/shoreline_management_briefing_note.pdf





Edit to fix broken link

[Beetroot queen]

I was told you can as long as it's not living ie attached to rocks etc. Mind you turning up with trailer may get you some funny looks but an odd carrier bag full should be ok

[Aidy]

This is another one of those very grey areas, I would say to check with your local council as they maybe local bylaws prohibiting it, as with drift wood.

I have taken it in small quanities before, only once have I been challenged, tho they didnt say if I could continue or not!

[bigben]

I think your meant to get permission first. You might get away with a bag or two but a trailer is possibly asking for trouble. If you fill the last bit of each bag with rubbish - plastic etc you might even convice people you are doing community service tidying up the beach!

[Kleftiwallah]

The harbourmaster of Lyme Regis says I can have as much as I want off Monmouth beach,  must drop off a jar of jam and a bottle of home made wine on my next visit.      Cheers,    Tony.

[Robert_S]

If it's washed up (ie on the tideline) then isn't it fair game, along with wood and other "beachcombable" stuff?

[mumofstig]

RHS advice

Fresh seaweed has long been used by coastal gardeners as a soil improver and plant feed, but there is no public right to collect seaweed from the beach unless you own the beach and it is not designated a site of special scientific interest or a special area of conservation. If you plan to gather seaweed, it is always advisable to check with the land owner and the local council first.

That should make the position clear enough, as everyone seems to have ignored Argyllie's earlier advice!

[Willie_Eckerslike]

Thanks Mum. 

[Aidy]

I have fired off several emails to both local and national bodies etc, I shall post any replies I receive from them.

[bazh]

As long as it's not for commercial use (for which you need a licence) and you have permission your allowed to take it.

[mumofstig]

As long as it's not for commercial use (for which you need a licence) and you have permission your allowed to take it.

Of course you are.............it's the need for permission that some people find difficult to accept 

[chili]

as a fisherman i am sure that anything below the high tide line is free to anyone.

[joyfull]

RHS advice

Fresh seaweed has long been used by coastal gardeners as a soil improver and plant feed, but there is no public right to collect seaweed from the beach unless you own the beach and it is not designated a site of special scientific interest or a special area of conservation. If you plan to gather seaweed, it is always advisable to check with the land owner and the local council first.

That should make the position clear enough, as everyone seems to have ignored Argyllie's earlier advice!

Please read this advice - then you will know whether it is legal or not, Many thanks to Argyllie and Mum of Stig for posting the lawful advice even though some obviously chose to ignore it 

[Yorkie]

as a fisherman i am sure that anything below the high tide line is free to anyone.

Sorry but you are not right, however much you would like to be.

The legal position has been stated and re-stated.