Foraging

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Aug 26, 2014.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    Later this week, I am planning on heading out with the wee one and going 'brambling' as we called it as kids. I haven't done it in years (since I was a kid, in fact), but having made a batch of marmalade this morning I now have a notion for making some more jams.

    Now, the only thing I am unsure about down here is the law - - in Scotland it was fine to go foraging pretty much anywhere as long as you weren't doing any damage and were following the country code etc. Is it the same in England, or are there places where it is allowed and not allowed?
     
  2. Jiffy

    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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    If you go into fields, ask the land owner first, even if there is a public footpath through the field, some times the land owner will not let you as it get other people just going in and picking with out asking first

    even some road side hedges belong to a land owner
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Thanks @Jiffy - I wasn't really intending going into fields, but I was thinking more along the lines of roadside or pathside hedgerows. What about land that is designated as public space, such as country parks etc?
       
    • Scrungee

      Scrungee Well known for it

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      I'm a bit busy setting up a new laptop at the moment, but googling "theft act" foraging will provide a wealth of results regarding the legal issues (and then there's the sensible stuff).
       
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      • Fat Controller

        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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        Thanks @Scrungee - it seems that as long as its not for commercial gain, and for personal consumption, it is legal.
         
      • Jenny namaste

        Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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        FC, I would avoid roadside brambles if at all possible. All those carbon emissions, not to mention dogs "waterings" ...:eeew:. Try and head for the country and take a picnic?
        Jenny
         
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        • wiseowl

          wiseowl Amicable and friendly Admin Staff Member

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          Good evening I have located some lovely damson trees ,the branches are heavy with fruit,and over hanging into a country lane :smile:
           
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          • Scrungee

            Scrungee Well known for it

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            Everything belongs to somebody or other, so suggest don't pick fruit from a roadside hedge on the other side of somebody's garden, don't go wandering off into fields beside footpaths unless you're prepared to be chucked off and hand all you've picked back to the farmer, and don't go wandering into allotment sites with carrier bags in hand claiming you've come to pick 'wild stuff' (seen that and dealt with it).
             
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            • Jenny namaste

              Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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              We've got masses of Sloes at the bottom of the road where the big field is.
              I like a wee dram of Sloe Gin...;)
              Jenny
               
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              • Fat Controller

                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                Well, the bramble pickings weren't great - only one and a half pounds once washed and their wee stems taken off, so I am going to have to bolster them up a bit with shop bought to make a batch of jam with them.

                Whilst out and about though, I spotted what I believe to be blueberries - can anyone confirm?

                2014-09-04 14.30.31.jpg

                2014-09-04 14.30.36.jpg

                Sorry the pics are a bit poor.

                Also, there was a reasonable amount of what I believe to be rosehips - are these any good for making into something?

                2014-09-04 14.32.07.jpg
                 
              • Jiffy

                Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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                I think (not sure) they may be sloe's FC
                Rose hips were always good for butting down people backs :mute:
                 
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                • Fat Controller

                  Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                  I did wonder if they were sloes as they weren't in bunches. Thanks @Jiffy
                   
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                  • Jungle Jane

                    Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

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                    If they were sloes then you'd know it as there would be a ton of thorns in your hands.

                    I'm contemplating cutting my blackthorn down as its spreading everywhere on my plot.

                    I went scrumping for apples yesterday and found a tree which has a really nice sweet apple on it. It's a shame that some of the fruits were covered in green blotches though
                     
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