The Laws Around Flower Picking In The UK

Whilst it isn't completely illegal to pick wildflowers, it is illegal to pick blooms in certain areas, such as on private land or community gardens, to name a few.

In fact, the Theft Act of 1968 states: 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 he picks, unless he does it for reward or for sale or other commercial purpose.

In springtime, one of the most common flowers found across the UK is the daffodil - a yellow flower - but is it illegal to pick daffodils? 

Picking daffodils in public areas or private land is illegal. If you’re caught picking these flowers, you could be hit with a fine of up to £5,000, or potential imprisonment. This is rare, but it has happened before!

So can you pick wildflowers? It depends on the flower and the location. As such, the team at Eflorist have put together a guide on the do’s and don’ts of flower picking in the UK.

DO

1. Pick flowers that aren't endangered

Figuring out whether a flower is endangered or not may be difficult at first glance, but a simple Google search for endangered flowers should do the trick. 

If you can’t find out, it’s not worth picking, so it’s best to move on from the area.

As well as this, flowers growing on roundabouts are grown and maintained by the council, so it’s fully off-limits to pick them in these areas. By respecting public property, you can ensure that their environmental function is maintained whilst also not breaking any laws, and risking any potential fines.

You can also find a full list of the flowers that are illegal to pick here.

 

2. Pick only a few flowers available (if you can pick them on the land) - don’t overdo it

If you can pick the flowers, don’t pick every single one of them. It’s vital to leave flowers behind so they can continue to thrive, and sustain their population. 

Remember the 20 flower rule - only pick 1 flower for every 20 you can see, and if there are less than 20, don’t pick any at all.

 

3. Leave a substantial amount of the flower behind in order for it to blossom once again

When picking flowers, it’s crucial to not pull them right out of the ground - instead, cut them on the stem.

For the flower to grow again, only cut it above a leaf or a new bud on the stem - leaving enough of the flower behind for it to regrow, and thrive once more.

DON’T

1. Pick flowers in public parks, national trust areas, nature reserves or gardens

There are various laws protecting flowers in certain public areas, so it’s important to not pick them whenever you fancy. 

Always consider the area you are in before you pick flowers to ensure it isn't on private land or land owned by the council.

 

2. Disturb or negatively effect any wildlife in the area

Maintaining the ecosystem and well-being of the surrounding wildlife is vital. Imagine someone coming into your home and taking their pick of the furniture you have - you wouldn’t be too happy!

If there are animals or insects living on or around the flowers, don’t disturb them - it’s their home after all!

 

3. Pick or destroy any flowers/plants without the land owner’s permission

When on private land, it’s important to take care of the environment, wildlife, and fauna.

Remember to avoid deliberately picking or destroying any flowers or wildlife, unless you have the land owner’s permission to do so.

More often than not, there will be signage in the area indicating that the land is privately owned. However, if you aren't sure, you can contact HM Land Registry to find out more information.