Monterey Pine Pinus radiata cone. The seeds are inside; heat the cone with a hot air hairdryer (at its hottest setting) to crack the scales open, then soak in cold water for a couple of minutes, and leave to dry out so the scales open fully to release the seeds. PS Welcome to the forums!
Thanks very much, I thought it maybe a montery but was unsure if they were found in the uk. I like the thought of it travelling all that way on the ocean as I found it on the beach. Many thanks Annmarie
Probably from a local ornamental tree - it is very widely planted in parks and large gardens in Britain, particularly (but not only) in the southwest :-)
