Overview

• Personal picking for food is generally allowed under the Theft Act provided plants are not uprooted and the harvest is not sold.
• Foraging on Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves is illegal under conservation laws cited by Stephen Rimmer LLP.
• Local bylaws can prohibit collecting in some Royal Parks and nature reserves regardless of quantity taken.
• Entering private land without the owner’s consent can constitute trespass, and the Right to Roam does not permit going off-path to forage.
• Experts report fixed-penalty fines typically ranging from about £100 to £300 for breaches and advise light, non-damaging harvesting that leaves plenty for wildlife.