Kitchen Garden Forum

I understand that hazel is more environmentally friendly than using bamboo, but how do we stand legally, collecting it from the wild, as it were. I have copious amounts growing along a public footpath, on agricultural land.

If it's your wood, on your land, I imagine there is no reason why you can't "crop" it. If it belongs to someone else, you could be accused of theft. Remember, "public footpaths" are actually just public rights of way - they belong to the owner/s of the land they cross. Last year, I think it was, a couple were cautioned by the police for collecting rowan berries growing beside a canal towpath*.
Yes, I know I annually "steal" sloes, blackberries, ramsons etc (but don't mention it to anyone).

*Here's the story.

[edited to add link]

When I say "I have", I meant locally, not on my land, so I understand what you are saying Alan. Perhaps I should try harder to identify the landowner and seek permission.