United Kingdom Rockhounding Regulations

General Rules

  • • Collecting allowed on many beaches and quarries
  • • Always obtain landowner permission
  • • Follow the Country Code guidelines
  • • Respect Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Permits & Licenses

  • • Most beaches require no permits for casual collecting
  • • Quarries and private land need owner permission
  • • Some sites require special permits

Restrictions

  • • No collecting from SSSIs without permits
  • • Protected geological sites are off-limits
  • • Some areas restricted during nesting seasons

Contacts

  • • British Geological Survey: +44 115 936 3100
  • • Natural England: 0300 060 3900
  • • Local geological societies for guidance