Some things you just do without thinking about it and taking a pebble from a beach is one of those things. So when the following reached my inbox I had an ‘ah’ moment. If everyone who ever went somewhere took something from it, of course it would have less and less. So, people, stop taking pebbles from Brighton beach!, and even bring some next time you visit.

Brighton Tourism Alliance Urges Visitors to Bring a Pebble Back to Brighton

Well known for its famous pebbly beach, visitors to Brighton have often taken a pebble or two away with them as a souvenir of their trip.

Now visitors to the city are being urged to help preserve its coast line by bringing a pebble with them when they visit – and leaving it on the beach.

The ‘Bring a Pebble Back to Brighton’ initiative is spearheaded by the Brighton Tourism Alliance, a group of like-minded businesses, passionate about the City, who work in partnership to improve the quality of the Brighton & Hove visitor experience.

Commenting on the scheme, spokesman Claire Ottewell said: “We say NO to sand and want to ensure Brighton’s iconic pebbly beach is around for people to enjoy for many years to come.

“We are urging all those Londoners who will be visiting Brighton over the summer to bring back a pebble and just leave it on the beach – and hopefully we will be able to replace the many thousands that have been taken away over the years.”

And Londoners are the worst of all, says Claire.

She continues: “We have no problem with the Welsh or the brummies. But it is the Londoners who always to want to take a little bit of Brighton away with them. Maybe it is because Brighton is known as London by the sea.”

Since its formation the TA has been successful in directly influencing council policy on road traffic management in the city. Representatives sit on various forums such as the Wind Farm Consultation Group and the Station Gateway Consultation Group and are involved with the Seafront Strategy for the city and the Events Strategy for the city.