Raihane Hassaine
Wild Foraging in the UK: Know the Foraging Laws
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s well as foraging responsibly, sustainably and safely, it’s important to also stay within the law when hunting for wild food. Foragers must know what they’re picking, seek permission, only collect from plentiful populations, minimise damage and leave plenty behind.
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Rare Species As well as the above tenets, foraging laws in the UK stipulate that rare species must not be collected. Ancient woods in particular may be the home to many rare species and therefore special care must be taken in these locations. If unsure, it’s generally better to leave the plant alone.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act This act, which came into force in 1981, protects all wild plants in the UK, making it illegal to remove or dig up a plant (including lichens, algae and fungi) without the permission of the occupier or landowner of the area where it is growing. Furthermore, some species of plants are specially protected against uprooting, picking, damage and sale. Details of these species can be found in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Schedule 8; they include blackwort, wood calamint, alpine catchfly, rock cinquefoil, wild cotoneaster, field cowwheat, Jersey cudweed, diapensia and water germander.
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