Picking wild daffodils can result in a fine of up to £5,000 (Image: Getty)
Spring is almost here which means warmer weather is on its way and the outdoors becomes all the more inviting as flowers begin to bloom.
Taking a walk is like a breath of fresh air after a , particularly as the landscape transforms from bleak and bare to full of colour and life as the . But people are being warned to avoid the temptation to pick popular like daffodils and take them home, as doing so can result in a fine of up to £5,000.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to intentionally pick, uproot, or destroy certain wild plants without authorisation. Those caught could face fines of up to £5,000 per offence.
The law applies to various protected flowers including these five popular varieties that you’ll often see in abundance in fields and woodlands during the spring:
- Daffodils
- Bluebells
- Snowdrops
- Primroses
- Wild orchids
Restrictions on picking these flowers apply in public spaces, including parks, nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Even on private land, removing certain plants without the permission of the landowner can still be illegal.
Josh Novell, gardening expert and director of , warns that picking these spring flowers is not only harmful to the environment but is illegal.
He said: “It might seem harmless to pick a daffodil or two while on a walk, to take home for a loved one. But people don’t always realise that removing wild plants without permission is against the law. You could face fines up to several thousand pounds for doing so, particularly in Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
“Many people mistakenly believe that picking just one or two flowers is harmless, but this can still damage delicate ecosystems. In designated conservation areas like SSSIs, picking wildflowers without permission is taken very seriously and can lead to significant fines. The penalties are in place to protect the beauty and biodiversity of our countryside.”
Don’t miss…
The Countryside Code, introduced in 2004, further encourages the protection of natural landscapes by advising people to leave flowers, trees, and other natural features untouched.
For those who love daffodils, there are plenty of legal alternatives to enjoy these flowers without harming the environment.
Mr Novell suggests: “Instead of picking wild daffodils, consider planting your own at home or buying a fresh bunch from a garden centre. That way, you can enjoy their beauty without harming nature. Spring is also a great time to start planting bulbs and seasonal flowers to bring colour to your garden.”