Picking wild berries and plants for food obviously dates back to the earliest days of man, but we have to remember that now most land is owned by somebody and we must respect this when foraging.

Various pieces of legislation exist and it pays to familiarise yourself with the basics.

CRoW (Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000).

Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.

The Wildlife & Countryside Act.

Northern Ireland legislation.

European legislation.

This list is by no means diffinitive and even local councils may have independent legislation in addition to those listed above.

It is always wise to ask if you are unsure.