Let’s Keep It Legal (and Lovely)
Foraging in the UK is a wonderful, nourishing thing (for the body and the soul) but it’s not a total free-for-all. While there is a legal side to it, you don’t need a law degree or a forest license to gather a few berries or a handful of wild garlic. You just need to know a few simple guidelines that help protect plants, animals and your fellow foragers.
This guide is designed to keep things friendly, simple, and above all – doable.
The Basics: What You’re Allowed to Pick
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, you can legally forage certain wild plants for personal use on land where you have access (we’ll talk about access in a minute).
You’re allowed to pick the “Four Fs”:
- Fruit
- Foliage (leaves)
- Flowers
- Fungi
As long as you’re not picking protected species and you’re not uprooting plants, you’re on safe ground.
Harriet’s tip: Think “above ground” and “for personal use.” If you’re picking roots or digging bulbs, that’s a different ball game and usually not legal unless you have permission.
What You Can’t Do
- Uproot plants (including roots, bulbs or whole fungi) without landowner permission
- Forage from land you’re trespassing on (even if it looks wild and empty)
- Pick protected species (some wild orchids, rare mushrooms, etc.)
- Forage for commercial purposes without a license
Some places like nature reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) have specific bans on foraging, even for the Four Fs. Always check for signs.
What About Public Land?
Access is key. Just because a path is public doesn’t mean the hedgerow next to it is. If you’re walking on:
- Public footpaths You can usually forage along the edges, so long as you’re respectful and stay on the path.
- Parks & green spaces Check local council rules – some allow responsible foraging, others don’t.
- Forests & woodlands The Woodland Trust, Forestry England, and others have their own policies. Many allow light personal foraging (like mushrooms or berries) but not digging or commercial collection.
When in doubt, ask. I’ve had lovely conversations with landowners who were more than happy for me to pick a few rosehips once they knew I wasn’t hauling off wheelbarrows.
A Few Friendly Rules of Thumb
- Take a small amount and never strip a plant or area bare
- Leave plenty behind for wildlife (and other foragers!)
- Forage away from roads, polluted areas, or dog-walking routes
- Don’t post exact locations online – part of the magic is discovering them yourself
