Warning over digging up wild flowers

Wildlife police in Stirling have moved to remind people that it’s illegal to dig up wild plants without permission.

There are 150 species of rare plant protected by law in the country – and Callander-based PC Laura Robertson, Forth Valley Wildlife Officer, is keen to raise awareness of the issue.

While the weather has been a mixed bag of late, people are still determined to enjoy the Stirling-area outdoors when the conditions allow so.

And with increased number of visitors to the area, PC Robertson wants to remind people of their responsibility when out in the countryside.

She said:“All wild plants in Scotland are given protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly uproot any wild plant without the permission of the land owner.

“People should try and be vigilant, and if they have any questions then they can speak to the police about them. There are 150 types of rare plant this applies to and Scottish Natural Heritage can provide full details about them.”

While some of these plants may look attractive they are protected and those who pick them from the ground are committing an offence.

Among the species afforded extra protection by law is moss. It is illegal to uproot, destroy, advertise or sell this plant – despite it commonly being taken to make hanging baskets and wreaths at Christmas time.

PC Robertson explained that moss plays an important role in the creation of peat bogs, holding water long after the surrounding soil has dried out. As a result they provide essential nutrients to the soil help to prevent the decay of dead plant material.

Peat can take thousands of years to form and bogs are important habitats for a range of species – from crickets to adders.