It is now illegal to take sand and gravel from the shore without an extraction licence from the Environment Agency. Even small-scale collection, for example to build a rockery, is forbidden. Illegal gravel extraction causes damage to the shore's natural flood defences and destroys important bird breeding sites.
Commercial bait digging is illegal on the Solway Coast. Large-scale removal of such species as peeler crabs may cause irreparable damage to the food chain, placing many species at risk.
Bait digging also causes disturbance to sediments that can threaten fragile habitats. Individuals may dig bait for personal use, but should not stockpile bait for long-term use.