Why Picking Wildflowers Could Cost You £5,000, Ecologists Warn
Families are being urged to think twice before picking wildflowers like bluebells as it could lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment.
Ecologists from Arbtech.co.uk have issued the warning as many people don’t realise that intentionally picking, uprooting, or destroying certain wild plants without permission is actually illegal in the UK.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, those caught could face fines of up to £5,000, a prison sentence – or both.
On top of the legal consequences, Arbtech’s ecologists have warned that even seemingly harmless activities, like picking flowers from a nature reserve or a park, can damage ecosystems and harm protected species.
And with warmer weather drawing more people into the countryside, the risk of accidental lawbreaking is increasing.
Parks, nature reserves, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are strictly protected – taking wild plants from these areas is against the law.
Picking flowers from someone’s private land without permission can also be illegal. Even if plants appear uncultivated, removing them without consent is considered theft.
Certain plants are legally protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it strictly illegal to uproot, damage, or destroy these plants in the wild without a licence. This includes species such as native bluebells and rare orchids.
Breaking this law can see offenders facing fines of up to £5,000 per plant and even imprisonment.
A spokesperson for ecology consultancy firm Arbtech commented: “Wildflowers play a vital role in biodiversity, providing food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife. Picking them might seem harmless, but it can disrupt delicate ecosystems and make it harder for plants and animals to thrive.
“A lot of people assume that picking flowers is only illegal if they belong to someone. But legally, all plants are considered wild unless proven otherwise. Even if a flower is growing on private land, taking it without permission could land you in trouble.
“So while grabbing a few daffodils or bluebells on a family walk might feel like no big deal, it can have serious consequences – for both nature and those who get caught.
“Instead, we encourage families to enjoy wildflowers where they grow and visit public gardens or wildflower meadows to admire them up close without harming the environment.”
