Hi everyone, I’m Rebekka and I am living in Amsterdam-Noord, close to green areas such as Vliegenbos and Noorderpark. As I understand, foraging is officially illegal in the Netherlands and you can get a fine of 4500 euros for taking anything from a dutch forest. I am though a bit unsure how these rules apply when it comes to parks and other public spaces? Either way, it seems to be tolerated if done in a considerate way, picking only small amounts for your own consumption – and I believe it to be quite unlikely that you would get into trouble for nibbling a few leaves of dandelion.
In Denmark, where I grew up, foraging is legal as long as you don’t pick more than what can fit into a small container.
I’ve met other foragers and people interested in plants on my walks around the neighborhood. It’s always lovely to share knowledge, thoughts and foraging locations. I’ve also noticed a lot of interest among my friends when I mention the topic but I find it hard to say whether foraging is popular in general.
Urban Herbology Apprenticeship
Foraging, Growing and Using Herbs in Cities