MILLIONS of Brits venturing into the great outdoors have been warned that they might unknowingly be breaking the law. As the weather warms up, many people will be enjoying the outdoors, but there is a risk of facing a hefty fine for enjoying some plants . Under the 1968 Theft Act and the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, it’s illegal in the UK to "pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant without permission from the landowner or occupier".
People can be fined up to £5,000 or even be given a prison sentence of up to six months for picking wild flowers such as daffodils . Picking flowers from someone else's garden is almost certain to land you in hot water, so that is best avoided. Picking wild mushrooms, flowers, fruit, or foliage from any land is not considered theft unless it is done for sale, reward, or other commercial purposes, even if the picker does not own the land.
According to the Theft Act of 1968 it is illegal to pick cultivated flowers in public parks or gardens as well as plants and flowers growing on land which is maintained by the council. The law ensures that picking wildflowers, for instance, is not theft unless intended for commercial gain. However, this only applies to flora growing wild.
It is still possible to commit theft by taking flowers from someone's garden or from cultivated areas like a park's floral display. While the 1997 Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations also adds that unless the visitor has the Secretary of State’s written permis.