Why is it illegal to pick bluebells?

It's against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. Bluebells have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. Once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.

What happens if you pick bluebells?

Well, after much research (and argument!), it seems that it all depends on the circumstances. Picking bluebells, along with most other wild flowers, fruit and foliage, is not generally an offence, although there might be associated access and ownership issues relating to where the plants are growing (Theft Act).

Why is it illegal to pick bluebells in the UK?

Threats and conservation

Bluebells can take years to recover from the damage caused by trampling, and if their leaves are crushed they can be weakened (as they can no longer photosynthesise). The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

What is the penalty for picking bluebells?

But, with many of us heading outside for walks during lockdown, households are reminded not to pick any of the beautiful blooms from forbidden areas. Online garden centre, Gardening Express, is reminding Brits that picking flowers, such as bluebells or daffodils, could result in imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

Can you pick bluebells from your own garden?

Bluebells are legally protected and it is against the law to dig them up from the wild. Make sure you ask your garden centre, nursery or online supplier to confirm the bulbs are cultivated, not wild–collected and also that they are both sourced and grown in the UK.

6 Things You May Not Know About Bluebells 😮

Is it OK to pick wild bluebells?

It's against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. Bluebells have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. Once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.

Can you use bluebells as cut flowers?

A few flower spikes cut just as the bottom flowers are emerging adds a lovely dimension to a Spring flower display. You should never cut Bluebells growing in the wild but do go and visit a bluebell wood in May for a spectacular display.

Is it illegal to cut bluebells UK?

Almost half the world's bluebells are found in the UK – they're relatively rare elsewhere. It's against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. Bluebell colonies take a long time to establish – around five to seven years from seed to flower. Bluebells can take years to recover after footfall damage.

Is it illegal to pick poppies UK?

Under the 1981 Act It is unlawful to intentional pick, uproot or destroy the wild plant or any seed or spore attached to the wild plant.

Can you touch bluebells?

All parts of the plant are toxic and the sap can cause skin irritation, so it is advisable to wear gloves when handling bluebells.

Is it unlucky to have bluebells in the house?

In some parts of the country it is thought unlucky to take bluebells into the house, although, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is actually illegal to dig up the bulbs. Even in the language of flowers the bluebell stands for sorrowful regret, although on a cheerier note it also stands for constancy.

Is it illegal to collect bluebell seeds?

In the UK, native bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which prohibits anyone from picking or destroying the flowers, digging up the bulbs, or collecting bluebells from the wild for sale.

When can I cut my bluebells down?

Allow the foliage to die down naturally after flowering. It is a good idea to remove the faded flower spikes before they set seed to prevent the plants self-seeding and spreading where they aren't wanted. Bluebells are rarely troubled by any pests or diseases.

Why can't you pick daffodils?

It is illegal to pick daffodils from any park, roundabout or verge that's maintained by a council or community organisation. However, if fruit, foliage, fungi or flowers are growing wild and are to be picked for your personal use only, it's not normally an offence to do so.

Can you cut bluebells for a vase?

The shorter the stems the less water you need - so bluebells need less than tulips. Sear the ends of the flower stems for a couple of seconds and then put straight into a vase or pot of luke warm water.

Is it illegal to pick dandelions?

Picking any part of the plant is legal so long as you don't uproot the entire plant.

Is it illegal to pick cow parsley?

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.

Can I dig up wild snowdrops?

Follow this simple guide of how and when to plant snowdrops and get planting - it is such an easy way of establishing such a pretty carpet of flowers. Remember that it is illegal to dig up snowdrops in the wild!

What plants are illegal to dig up in UK?

Can I plant bluebells in my garden?

In the garden, you can grow English bluebells under deciduous trees or shrubs, under hedges or naturalised in grass – they are more suitable for meadow-style plantings rather than lawns, as their foliage doesn't die back until later in the year.

Why put cut flowers in boiling water?

Hot water might be also considered as a means to kill bacteria or unclog the stems of a fresh cut flower to allow greater water absorption and preserve the blooms for longer, Gaumond says, which is where this boiling water tip may have begun growing.

Can you get a bouquet of bluebells?

The floor of our Ancient Woodland at Bank Woods is carpeted with Bluebells throughout May and June. This dedication gift is an ideal gift for Easter, Mothers' Day, Valentine's Day, or a special birthday or anniversary or in memory of a loved one. No waste, no plastic, no transport.

Can bluebells turn white?

Wild white English bluebells are incredibly rare. They occur when the flower's blue pigment is missing, making them 'albino' bluebells. It is believed a native white bluebell occurs only once in every 10,000 flowers.

What's the difference between Spanish and English bluebells?

Below is a brief illustrative guide to help you tell the difference. Native bluebells have relatively thin leaves, around 1-1.5cm wide. Spanish and hybrid-Spanish bluebells tend to have much thicker leaves, around 3cm wide. The leaves of the Spanish and hybrid-Spanish bluebell often have a fleshier feel to them.

Can you move bluebells in the green?

You can plant dry bluebell bulbs in autumn but you're more likely to have success by planting the bulbs 'in the green', in late spring. Divide and replant the clumps after flowering and before the leaves die back.