Some fossil sites have open access and can be enjoyed-by virtually anyone at any time. The main examples are coasts and shorelines. Specimens can usually be picked up and removed without problems. On areas of 'common land' it may be possible ro pick up a loose specimen lying at the surface. But any use of hammers or other tools, to chip and release an
embedded fossil, is not advised. It could be viewed as illegal damage to the site, and legal claims of trespass and criminal damage could be brought.