MUMS have been warned they could be slapped with a whopping £5,000 fine if their kids pick wildflowers on their daily walks.
With the UK in lockown due to coronavirus a walk is one of the few approved exercises, but it could leave parents out of pocket if children gather flowers – including daffodils and bluebells – from forbidden areas.
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Now spring has sprung flowers are emerging in woods, roadsides and parks, but it could be illegal to pick them under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 and the Theft Act of 1968.
Experts from Gardening Express revealed most flowers growing in council parks are strictly off-limits, as well as plants from council-maintained nature reserves, verges, roundabouts and protected land.
Chris Bonnett, from GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “Don’t ever pick flowers in public parks, community gardens, or on National Trust property or nature reserves.
“This includes flowers from roundabouts, which are maintained by councils.”
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As well as location, some plants are a protected species, including a Snowdon Lily, Sand Crocus and a Fen Violet, according to section 8 of the 1981 act.
Chris continued: “All wild plants are given some sort of protection under the laws of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, making it illegal to uproot or pick a large majority.
“And if any rare or endangered plants are growing near your home, you could face arrest, up to six months imprisonment and a maximum £5,000 fine for picking them.”
And he added any flowers or plants on private land should be left alone as well.
Chris explained there also are strict rules in place for areas where flower picking is permitted.
Don’t ever pick flowers in public parks, community gardens, or on National Trust property or nature reserves
Chris Bonnett
Chris continued: “You are allowed to pick flowers which are not privately owned or critically endangered – but only one in every twenty, and only from patches where there are lots of flowers, so you leave plenty for others to enjoy.
“You should also leave a substantial amount of the plant to allow it to continue to grow.
“Intentionally picking, uprooting or destroying a plant without permission from the landowner or occupier is an offence, and you should never pick any flower found in the Schedule 8 list of protected plants.
“Also take care not to disturb any wildlife with an area.”
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