Many don’t realise it’s a criminal offence to pick or damage certain wild plants under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
With Easter and bank holiday strolls fast approaching, families are being warned to resist the temptation to pick wildflowers, or risk a hefty £5,000 fine.
Ecologists at Arbtech.co.uk have raised the alarm ahead of the spring break, urging the public to think twice before plucking blooms like bluebells, as doing so could land them in serious legal trouble. Many people are unaware that picking, uprooting or damaging certain wild plants without permission is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Beyond the legal risk, experts warn that even small actions, such as picking flowers in parks or nature reserves, can disrupt delicate ecosystems and harm protected species. As the warmer weather lures more people into the countryside, experts are warning that the risk of unwittingly breaking the law is on the rise, particularly when it comes to picking wildflowers like bluebells.
Parks, nature reserves, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are strictly protected areas, and removing any wild plants from these locations is illegal.
Even picking flowers from private land without permission can land you in legal hot water, as it’s considered theft, regardless of whether the plant appears to be cultivated.
Certain species, including native bluebells and rare orchids, are also protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Uprooting or damaging these plants without a licence is a criminal offence, punishable by fines of up to £5,000 per plant, or even imprisonment.
Scotland is home to some stunning spots to admire bluebells in full bloom each spring. The Kinclaven (Ballathie) Bluebell Woods Circular near Blairgowrie and Rattray offers a peaceful 2.7-kilometre forest trail, taking around 40 minutes to complete.
Another favourite is the Inchcailloch Island Circular in Loch Lomond, a scenic 3.1-kilometre route that takes just over an hour. In Edinburgh, the 3.2-kilometre Dry Dam Path to St Anthony’s Chapel and Arthur’s Seat offers beautiful views and seasonal colour.
Arbtech, the ecology consultancy issuing the warning, explained why it’s so important to admire wildflowers without disturbing them.
A spokesperson said: “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.”
