Collecting leaves from public places

Hi.

If I went around the village collecting fallen leaves would I be breaking any laws? I would like to make my own leaf mould but I don't have any trees. There are still lots of leaves sitting in pockets around the village. I am very self conscious about putting myself out there. If I knew I was in the rigjt I would be happier to go ahead.

G.

 

Interestingly the RHS suggest doing just that - though they recommend ignoring any beside a main road in case of pollution:Leafmould/RHS Gardening

Legally, I can't imagine why anyone would mind. Here in the Big Smoke I happily pick sloes and wild plums in the park and have collected fallen wood too. No one has ever objected - and the maintenance contractors employed by the local council always say go ahead (flowers on the other hand I couldnt pick, including wild ones, because that's forbidden in the park's byelaws).

Given that you're in a village, I'd suggest checking with your parish/local council first. I can't imagine they'd say 'no' but that way if some local busybody tries to interfere your back will be covered!

 

Yes, Im sure its ok Gary.
I have done that myself to get loads of the stuff. Nobody ever approached me to say I shouldnt do it
Clare is right though....Ring local council to be absolutely sure

 

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If you wear a hi viz jacket no one will bat an eyelid

 

I've sent a message to a lady on the parish council.

I had considered that option. My working in the garden coat is my old hi viz coat.



G.

 

just don't wear a hooded jacket and you'll be safe.

 

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Long time since I've lived in the UK, but without written permission from the landowner, it is classed as theft.

If things have not changed, of course, but that is how it used to be.

 

Strange one this -

refuse which is placed outside your house on public land, belongs to the Council as soon as it leaves (no pun) your property;

leaves which fall onto your neighbours private property belong to you;

leaves which fall onto public land - I would put into the 'refuse' category and belong to the Council.

Would the Council be bothered if you cleared leaves from the side of the road - no - they would probably be quite pleased .

 

Gary, I agree with the other's get permission and if granted...some sort of bin to pull along and a cordless leaf collector because the leafs we have here is SICK mate

Good on ya for wanting to do that

 

I was tidying up this morning and I noticed this.



How stupid am I. It just proves you rarely see what's under your nose.

The leaves that have fallen though are not easily accessible. Can I pick the leaves off the tree? Will it harm the tree?

G.

 

only if you keep to picking 5 leaves. beyond 5 leaves it will harm the tree.

 

Advertise leaf raking service @ £10/hr, disposal of leaves included.

 

I have recently defoliated my cornus...dogwoods.....as I always do at this time of year to reveal the red stems asap. As long as the leaves have turned yellow, have begun the defoliation process, etc. and have stopped functioning, as they should have now, I see no problem at all.
After the forthcoming windy weather most of those leaves will have been blown off but you dont actually pick them off; they will brush off quite easily Gary