Summer beach restrictions
Each May, legislation becomes active until the end of September, which puts limits on certain activites taking place on the beach.
Some of the laws are targeted at particular beaches, and some apply to all foreshore areas. The following sections will give you an outline of what applies where, with a link to the actual statutes if you want to check what it says in black and white. |
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on all beaches apart from during the summer months between 1 May and 30 September inclusive when they are banned from nine specified beaches - they are; Fermain, Petit Bot, L'Eree, Vazon, Cobo, Port Soif and L'Ancresse/Pembroke in Guernsey and Shell Beach and Belvoir in Herm. These restrictions apply at all times of day.
So in winter you can take your dog onto any beach, and in the above summer months you can take your dog onto beaches that are not on the list. This is set out by the 1992 Control of Dogs Ordinance, a copy of which you can view here. |
Horses
Horses face slightly different restrictions.
During the same summer months, from 1 May until 30 September inclusive, you cannot ride your horse on any beaches in Guernsey between 10.00 am and 7.00 pm. At all other times the law doesn't apply.
This covers all Guernsey beaches but the law doesn't mention Herm. The law does provide an exemption if the Police Chief gives you permission or you have some sort of existing rights over that part of the beach.
The relevant statute is the Foreshore Ordinance of 1951, a copy of which you can view here.
During the same summer months, from 1 May until 30 September inclusive, you cannot ride your horse on any beaches in Guernsey between 10.00 am and 7.00 pm. At all other times the law doesn't apply.
This covers all Guernsey beaches but the law doesn't mention Herm. The law does provide an exemption if the Police Chief gives you permission or you have some sort of existing rights over that part of the beach.
The relevant statute is the Foreshore Ordinance of 1951, a copy of which you can view here.
Vehicles
Vehicles (which for the purposes of this law means horse-drawn vehicles, bicycles, sand-yachts, cars, motor cycles, and any other mechanically propelled vehicles) are banned from all beaches in the island during the summer months, 1 May to 30 September inclusive, between 10.00 am and 7.00 pm.
During these times, you can only take a vehicle onto the beach with the permission of the Police Chief, or in order to collect seaweed (or with lawful authority sand and stones) or to haul your boat, fish and gear. The same Foreshore Ordinance of 1951 applies, which you can view here. |
While we're on the beach, what are the rules on beach barbecues?
If your beach barbecue involves 10 people or fewer, there are no formal restrictions that you need to consider. There is, however, a code that encourages such things as not playing loud music, not taking glass onto the beach, leaving the area clean and tidy etc.
If your barbecue involves 11 to 50 people, you will need to notify the Environment Department and provide details. For larger "event" barbecues with more than 50 people, you will need the Department's express permission. Beach barbecues are only allowed on the West and North coasts, and are banned from Soldiers' Bay to Pleinmont.
The Environment Department stipulates that barbecues or bonfires should not be lit before 6.00 pm as a matter of consideration for other beach users, and if you are going to have a bonfire, it should be below the high water mark, and be completely extinguished afterwards.
The Department's requirements can be viewed here.
If your barbecue involves 11 to 50 people, you will need to notify the Environment Department and provide details. For larger "event" barbecues with more than 50 people, you will need the Department's express permission. Beach barbecues are only allowed on the West and North coasts, and are banned from Soldiers' Bay to Pleinmont.
The Environment Department stipulates that barbecues or bonfires should not be lit before 6.00 pm as a matter of consideration for other beach users, and if you are going to have a bonfire, it should be below the high water mark, and be completely extinguished afterwards.
The Department's requirements can be viewed here.