Feeding people with wild mushrooms in the UK is subject to a combination of food safety, foraging, and drug laws. The legal landscape aims to protect public health, preserve wildlife, and prevent the distribution of dangerous or controlled substances.
Foraging and Collection Laws
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Foraging wild mushrooms for personal consumption is generally legal on public land, provided it is not a protected conservation area or private property without the landowner’s permission125.
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The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the collection of wild plants and mushrooms from certain protected areas, such as National Nature Reserves (NNRs) or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), without explicit permission from Natural England1.
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Some rare or endangered mushrooms are protected under Schedule 8 of the Act, making it illegal to pick them anywhere15.
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Foraging for commercial purposes (i.e., collecting large quantities to sell or serve to others) is not allowed without a permit or license, even on public land25.
Food Safety and Public Health
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There is no specific law prohibiting the act of feeding others wild mushrooms, but food safety regulations apply. If you provide food to the public (including at events or in a commercial setting), you must comply with food hygiene laws and ensure the food is safe to eat4.
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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that mushrooms should be thoroughly washed and preferably cooked before consumption, due to past incidents of contamination with pathogens such as Salmonella4.
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Foragers and anyone serving wild mushrooms should be absolutely certain of correct identification, as some wild mushrooms are highly toxic and can cause serious illness or death if misidentified and consumed5.
Psychoactive Mushrooms and Controlled Substances
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It is illegal to possess, supply, or serve mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin (commonly known as “magic mushrooms”) under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, as they are classified as Class A drugs36.
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Since 2005, both fresh and prepared psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in the UK, and giving them to others constitutes supply of a controlled substance, which carries severe penalties6.
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The law does not distinguish between actual and constructive possession, so even momentary possession (such as picking and handing over a magic mushroom) is an offence3.
Summary Table: Key Legal Points
| Activity | Legal Status (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foraging wild mushrooms | Legal (personal use, public land) | Not in protected areas or private land without permission125 |
| Foraging for commercial use | Illegal without permit | Includes feeding others in a business or event setting25 |
| Feeding others wild mushrooms | Legal if mushrooms are safe, not protected | Must comply with food safety laws; correct identification essential45 |
| Feeding psychoactive mushrooms | Illegal | Psilocybin/psilocin mushrooms are Class A drugs36 |
| Foraging protected species | Illegal | Some mushrooms are protected under Schedule 815 |
Best Practices
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Only pick mushrooms you can identify with absolute certainty.
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Never forage or feed others protected or endangered species.
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Always wash and ideally cook wild mushrooms before serving.
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Never collect or serve wild mushrooms for commercial purposes without the proper permissions.
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Never pick, possess, or serve psychoactive mushrooms.
Conclusion
While it is legal to feed people wild mushrooms in the UK under certain conditions, strict rules apply regarding where and what you can forage, especially for commercial purposes. Food safety and correct identification are paramount, and serving psychoactive mushrooms is strictly prohibited by law12356.
