Wild Fruits and Flowers in Switzerland

Daily Life, Swiss News and General Topics
1
Does anyone know what the rules are here in Switzerland, with regard to picking wild fruit and flowers? I'd like to pick some but don't want to get into trouble...!

2
Take only photographs. Leave only footprints.

3
And don’t taste any wild mushrooms unless you’re sure they’re edible (get them checked first).

4
I was going to mention mushrooms but as the OP specifically mentioned flowers and fruit, I didn't.

As well as toxicity issues, there are many locals rules as to when, what time and how many mushrooms you can pick.

5

Howdy, keen forager here.

Unless the plant is under protection or it is a nature conservation area you can harvest BERRIES; NUTS; HERBS to your hearts content.

Some of the 'Shroomies are limited to a specific amount per person,e.g. cèpes 2kg per person and day.

- Take a little from many plants and not all from one plant, leave some for the

wildlife and other foragers.

(Alas I have witnessed sadly too many a time that some ppl are utterly greedy... )

- Collect just as much as you need and can work into preserves etc

immediately.

- Only collect what you really know is edible etc. If insecure ask someone in

the know to accompany you and show you.

- Do not, forage, just for foraging sake and collect stuff you don't know and

then throw out, it might've been fodder for wildlife you took and threw

away.

- In case of elderberries, rather cut than tear the umbels of berries off

Happy foraging!!

EE

6
Speaking of mushroom gathering:

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/shroom-...nings/45228910

Many Gemeinde have stopped their mushroom inspection services. If you are new to fungi-foraging, please be careful!

Foraging in the forests or other public lands for fruits, nuts, herbs, mushrooms is a time-honoured hobby 'round these parts.

But as EE says - be respectful!

Never in a nature conservancy area, never.

Never take protected plants, wherever you find them.

Many wildflowers are protected, so to avoid mistakes (and fines!) - when it comes to flowers, take pictures rather than plants.

Make sure you are gathering in a zone where it is allowed. If you are unsure, don't pick, and next time ask the Gemeinde officials where foraging is allowed, where forbidden.

And never take from private land.

Hiking paths often cross through or lay along private land. You are not allowed to take anything - even fallen fruit - from private land without the permission of the land owner.

(Here's looking at you, hikers who stripped my blackberry hedge...)