[Ma and Pa Snip]

I agree Mr Sol Cropper, just one point to make here as I got my hands slapped once, it is against the stupid insane laws of this country to take seaweed of the shore, it is classed as council land!
you also need to give it  a good wash before use, I normaly put a couple of layers in the main muck heap to.

That makes beachcombing an illegal practice then.

[Aidy]

Well sort of, from what I was told, their maybe local by-laws restricting what can and can't be taken off the beach, something to do with the highwater mark etc, if you can remember the ship that sank and all the stuff floated ashore, at first mr plod let it go then the council moved in and said it was illegal to take stuff of the beach, it is from all accounts like many of our laws a minefield with no clear yes you can or no you can't do this or that, best thing to do maybe is check with your local council before hand, I am sure even if it is not permitted they would turn a blind eye to it, I just think some one saw me with bags of it and thought I was upto something and called mr plod.
Like most things I of course don't give two hoots and carry on as I have always done.

[Paul Plots]

Being me.... I'd probably email someone first for information but not give my details.

I guess it comes from years of having to act responsibly and in a law abiding fashion. Can't have the children seeing local teachers misbehaving in public (I'm not sure that sounds quite the way I meant it to  )

Now I'm retired I really ought to drop the habit of being whiter than thou. 

[arugula]

Well sort of, from what I was told, their maybe local by-laws restricting what can and can't be taken off the beach, something to do with the highwater mark etc,....

And I quote.......

Is one allowed to toddle down to the sea-side and help one's self to seaweed?

Learner, yes and no. It depends on exactly who owns the shore to high/low water mark and whether they can give you permission to take or not. Its quite complicated and it has been discussed on here before if you want to search it.

[Benandbill]

I heard about the santa sock of sheep droppings before but for onions not tomatoes.  I'm gonna try growing toms in my garden.  I'm a bit far from the shore but the sheep outnumber people round here 

[Yorkie]

The high and low water mark is certainly relevant.  I think the Crown estate owns anything below HWM; the landowner above it.  Can't recall what happens below LWM off the top of my head.

Eli, whatever you choose to do is of course your responsibility, but this forum can't condone theft - which is what it may well be (depending on the particular circumstances of course).

[Paul Plots]

I can see it now plastered all over the national newspapers, on Sky News and the BBC:

Allotment & Veg Gardening Forum members arrested in dawn secret swoop!

Beef Eaters, the Lifeguard and Buckingham Palace officials sprang on suspected thieves on an unnamed south coast beach.

The police were unable to give details as the matter is being investigated by MI5 but a brief court appearance is expected within the next 48 hours where those accused will be represented by Crown Court Barrister Aidy.

Prosecutor for the Crown, Yorkie’s only comment was, “It’s a matter not to be sneezed at! Theft from the Crown is tantamount to Treason!”  

"They were previously warned," stated Argyllie, "that information regarding the removal of the Crown’s property from the shore-line should be sought via a forum search before acting rashly, posting pointless comments,  or without prior consideration as to the serious consequences. We have no sympathy with their plight. Off with their heads!”

Locals from the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, would only say that a group in wellies wearing pegs on their noses, hooded tops and flip-flops were seen scurrying suspiciously bundling bags of booty into big wheelbarrows and buckets as day broke over the sands.

“There will be an extra-ordinary emergency sitting in the House over the week-end and additional finances will be raised despite financial constraints upon the budget”, said the PM’s spokesperson, “as this is beyond a  doubt a major beach breach of national security.”

(A “Seaweed for Sale” advertisement was removed from the AVG Forums annoying little pop-ups)  

Well....... sometimes life is just too serious  

[Yorkie]

Very inventive Learner 

Just to confirm though:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/6972581/Snow-Gritting-thieves-target-beaches-for-sand.html

[Paul Plots]

Arun District Council's readily available comment (for what it's worth):

"Seaweed on the beach
Seaweed is deposited on the District’s beaches at various times of the year. Seaweed is an important part of the marine ecology.  In general, the deposits are removed naturally by tides in a matter of days. Removal of seaweed is regulated by Fisheries under specific legislation.

The Council’s policy on seaweed removal is to allow normal tidal movements to remove the seaweed wherever possible, we will monitor the situation and may take steps to remove where the seaweed depth becomes excessive.  In periods of dry weather and low tides it will be expected that it may smell but this is not grounds for removal."

[Zippy]

I have written permission from the local parish council to remove seaweed from the beach so long as it (removal) is not excessive. I keep the letter in my car in case I am accosted!

[Paul Plots]

I have written permission from the local parish council to remove seaweed from the beach so long as it (removal) is not excessive. I keep the letter in my car in case I am accosted!

Doh.... You mean no headline notoriety for you then?   :blink:   

[Ma and Pa Snip]

Doh.... You mean no headline notoriety for you then?   :blink:   

   Never assume.

 Zippys parish council might be landlocked and not actually have a beach