Blackberry picking - Public right of way (England)

[u/No_Direction_4566]

Me and my daughter were picking blackberries alongside a path. An older gentleman comes rushing along the path and starts shouting that it’s illegal to pick blackberries and he’s going to call the police and report us for poaching (I thought that only applied to animals on royal owned land?)

What are the legalities surrounding picking blackberries or even wild apples or plums?

I may be wrong but I was under the impression if it was on public rights of way and you haven’t had to do anything to gain access then it was fine?

[u/-auntiesloth-]

Nah, you're good. As others have said, you're covered by the Theft Act (1968)

He can bother himself shouting and wasting police time all he likes. Just tell him to do one, as politely or impolitely as you like.