Wild seed collecting

Hi everyone,

Can anyone help me out? I'm planning to collect some wild seed from non-endangered plants, but I've been told that collecting any wild seed is illegal in the UK. Is this true?

I'm not going to mass harvest, just collect a pod or two from big patches of flowers.

Thanks,

Stuart

 

Hi Stuart,

Wasn't sure myself,and despite living in the sticks surrounded by native plants,decided to play safe and pop to my local garden centre.(Cotswold Wardens behind every tree!!)
They had a good selection of mixed and selective seeds packs. BUT..I have been known to liberate the odd poppy seed or two as I stoop to tie a boot lace

 

As far as I know, seed collection from non endangered species is OK - and certainly on the scale you are proposing, is not a threat to the plants either. But I like Paladin would suggest a better idea is buying them. There are wild flower specialist suppliers in addition to your garden centre. If memory serves me right John Chambers Wildflowers - I remember I had some great seed from them, and they have a huge range.

 

In our local "Evesham Journal" there is an article stating a decline in wild/woodland flowers,trees and shrubs by a third over the past 30years.The study is,Long-term Ecological Change in British Woodland (1971-2001). It appears the only tree to have thrived is the Holly! I can confirm that by the way they seed around my plot :(