Gathering principles

Wild food gathering principles

Engaging with wild food is a deep and nourishing experience and care has to be taken when gathering. Consideration has to be considered, not only for one’s own health and well-being, but for that of the plant, other animals who interact with it and the ecosystem as a whole. Below are my 6 key considerations when gathering wild food:

1. Gather with 100% certainty

I think it’s important to start with the intention to only gather and eat those foods which you are 100% able to identify correctly. As with, for example, the apiaceae family, you will find plants which are tantalisingly tasty but also some which are terrifyingly toxic, in some cases deadly, so it is vital to leave no margin for error.

2. Gather only what you need for this day and the next

In my opinion, eating fresh is more often than not best. Of course, quantities can be increased with dried ingredients, stocks can be preserved for later use and certain medicines may need processing, but, adding fresh ingredients into your diet will enhance the flavour and available nutrients in many cases. Gathering swathes of plant material and then not being able to use it is simply wasteful and lacking respect for the flora with which you are engaged.

3. Not to gather more than 25% of an individual plant, algae or fungi or community of organisms

This links in with point 2 insofar as not creating waste and fostering respect for the wild food. Furthermore, leaving the majority of the organism ensures its ability to go to seed / spore and also leaves some food and shelter available for other creatures.

Also be aware of the parts you’re gathering and the functions carried out by the plants – leaves for photosynthesis, flowers for the formation of seeds, roots to sustain the plant and ensure its continuation.

4. Be mindful of the area in which you are gathering

Some plants and algae are dynamic accumulators of toxins and heavy metals, so ensure that the area in which you’re gathering is clean. Toxins can be present in areas with agricultural run off, in soil in the form of heavy metals and chemicals from areas of industry, from exhaust fumes and in areas which are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides such as glyphosate. It should also be mentioned to avoid popular dog walking routes or, at the very least, gather above hip height avoiding the ‘dog pee zone’!

5. Keep it legal

There are a number of legal guidelines to follow when gathering wild food to keep yourself out of a spot of bother. In regards to uprooting plants, The Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981, Section 13 – Protection of Wild Plants states that:

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—

(a) intentionally picks, uproots or destroys any wild plant included in Schedule 8; or

(b) not being an authorised person, intentionally uproots any wild plant not included in that Schedule,

s/he shall be guilty of an offence.

The Country and Wildlife Act 1981 (Plants listed in Schedule 8 can be found in the link).

If permission is sought from the landowner, plants can be uprooted but care has to be taken with the size of your harvest as mentioned in points 2 and 3.

In relation to what you can gather and from where, The Theft Act 1968, Section 4 - Property, Subsection 3 states that:

(3) A person who picks mushrooms growing wild on any land, or who picks flowers, fruit or foliage from a plant growing wild on any land, does not (although not in possession of the land) steal what he picks, unless he does it for reward or for sale or other commercial purpose.

For purposes of this subsection “mushroom” includes any fungus, and “plant” includes any shrub or tree.

The Theft Act 1968, Section 4 - Property

Also, be mindful not to gather endangered or rare species on ethical grounds in addition to legal.

6. Tread lightly

Work with the ecosystem you’re in rather than causing disruption. Gather and leave without a trace. Stop and watch and take the time to become absorbed within your natural environment, flowing with the changing of the seasons.