It is regrettable that millions of tons of fruit are wasted along our hedgerows and wood-edges every year. Yes, yes, there are always the birds, but I believe they should consider the value of sharing. Nibbling at wild fruit is in our bones, too — we are, after all, hunter-gatherers. Whereas the entrancing idea of food for nothing more than the gentle effort of collection might attract us all, it is the profound pleasure of following our natural instincts that delight us; fulfil us, even. It is a sad child that never learned to pick a blackberry.

But where can one pick wild fruits, or anything else? The rules are fairly simple: with minor exceptions, if you have legal access you can pick whatever you like provided it has not been planted and is not intended for sale. Wild plants (and mush

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