Spring is on the way, plants and trees all around us are starting to bloom and it is the perfect time to get outside and start foraging. We’ve looked at foraging in the UK in other blogs, such as this one here; this blog looks specifically foraging in spring.
Law and foraging
We’ve covered the law and foraging when it comes to bushcraft before but here’s a quick recap.
Foraging in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
When it comes to bushcraft and foraging within England, Wales and Northern Ireland you need to be aware of the Theft Act of 1968 . This act states that “A person who picks mushrooms growing wild on any land, or who picks flowers, fruit or foliage from a plant growing wild on any land, does not (although not in possession of the land) steal what s/he picks unless he does it for reward or for sale or other commercial purposes.”
What this basically means is that provided that what you pick is growing wild, e.g. not farmed and that you’re not intending to sell what you pick then you should be okay.
In Scotland it is a little different, read on to find out more.
Foraging in Scotland
In Scotland foraging is covered under the Outdoor Access Code . This stipulates pretty much the same as the Theft Act of 1968 – essentially, don’t pick farmed plants with the intention to sell them.
Bushcraft and foraging in spring
Common plants in the UK in spring
Here are some common UK plants that can be found in spring; perfect for the UK forager.
Remember, never eat anything that you’ve not identified as safe.
Click on the arrows to discover these edible UK plants.
The best way to learn about foraging is with a qualified bushcraft instructor. Join us on a weekend bushcraft course to learn foraging, shelter building, fire lighting and more.
Further reading
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