Law
In England and Wales it is illegal to gather plants in whole or part:
- on land designated "open countryside" for the right to roam by the Countryside and Way Act 2000
- of any protected species
- It is also illegal to dig up roots without the permission of the land owner on any other land.
- A person may take away foliage, fruit or plants growing wild where it grows on public access land not designated "open countryside" (e.g. public rights of way across private land, highway verges etc.), unless it is done with the intention of selling them, or for other reward.
- Entering on private land without the owner's consent is trespass.
Code of Conduct
Countryside Code
- Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
- Consider other people
That tempting lush meadow full of wild flowers may be a hay or silage field. Walking through the tall vegetation will flatten it, and make it unavailable for harvest.
Ecological Considerations
Except in times of need
- pick only plants which grow in profusion or are considered weeds.
- avoid digging up roots which effectively destroys the plant.
- avoid picking flowers; they give little sustenance to humans but are food to many insects, and are needed by annuals to set seed for the plant's survival. Where this is not an issue, it may still be better to allow the flower to develop fruit or edible seeds, where this is of greater food value.
- avoid stripping a plant of leaves; pick a few from a larger number of plants
- leave some fruit or nuts for wildlife, especially close to the ground for mammals, or on higher branches for birds
- gather in moderation; there may also be others who forage in the same location
- avoid very small or young plants; many plants need to be gathered for a meal
- tread lightly, literally, to avoid damaging plants or the delicate mycelium of fungi
- bark should only be removed from trees which are to be felled; never ring-bark a living tree
- The countryside is best enjoyed quietly, not just by people, but also by wildlife, especially during the breeding season.
