Foraging for Wreaths: How to Forage Safely in London

Foraging connects us with nature and adds a deeply personal touch to any handmade wreath. Gathering your own foliage is not only sustainable but also a chance to step outside, slow down, and reconnect with the seasons. In a city like London, you might assume that foraging isn’t possible — but the truth is, there are plenty of safe and legal ways to collect natural treasures if you know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll explore the rules of foraging in London, the best places to go, which plants are ideal for wreath making, and what to avoid. Plus, we’ll share how you can combine foraged finds with a Christmas wreath workshop in London to make something truly unique.

The Rules of Foraging in London (Legal & Ethical Guidelines)

Before you set out with a basket and scissors, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical framework of foraging. These rules apply to other places within England.

• The Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981 allows people to forage wild plants, fruits, seeds, and nuts for personal use — but it’s illegal to uproot plants without landowner permission.

• In London parks and commons, rules vary. For example, the Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park) prohibit foraging altogether, while local commons may permit small, responsible gathering. Always check the local bylaws.

• Forage only for personal use — never take more than you need. A good rule is the “one in twenty” principle: only take a small portion, leaving plenty behind for wildlife and other foragers.

• Respect private land — ask permission if you’re unsure.

Ethics are just as important as legality. Foraging should always be about connection, not consumption.

Best Places for Responsible Foraging

Even in a bustling city like London, there are plenty of green spaces where you can responsibly gather natural materials:

• Hampstead Heath – brimming with ivy, pinecones, and evergreens.

• Epping Forest – a larger area with holly, berries, and fallen branches (take only what’s already on the ground).

• Wimbledon Common – known for its rich biodiversity, with lots of natural foliage.

• Your local walks – ivy, rosemary, and bay often spill out from gardens onto public paths.

Remember: take only small amounts and never disturb protected habitats.

Top Plants to Forage for Wreaths

The joy of foraging is discovering textures and colours that make your wreath uniquely yours. Here are some of the best plants for festive wreath making:

• Holly – glossy leaves and bright red berries (just a few sprigs will add Christmas cheer).

• Ivy – abundant, versatile, and excellent for trailing details.

• Pinecones – collect from the ground; they add rustic charm when wired into your wreath.

• Rosemary – aromatic, hardy, and beautiful when tucked into arrangements.

• Bay leaves – another fragrant herb that dries well.

• Seasonal berries (e.g., hawthorn, cotoneaster) – bring pops of colour, but avoid toxic varieties.

For a luxury wreath workshop in London, these foraged finds can be mixed with fresh spruce and moss bases to elevate your design.

What NOT to Pick

Not all plants are safe - for you, or for the environment. Avoid:

• Yew berries and leaves – highly toxic to humans and pets.

• Mistletoe – often protected and dangerous in large quantities.

• Protected species – such as bluebells or orchids (illegal to pick).

• Anything scarce – if there’s only a little, leave it be.

• Use Google search camera to identify plants

As a general rule: if you’re not 100% sure what it is, don’t pick it.

Combining Foraged Finds with Your Workshop Kit

At Blooms & Evergreen’s Christmas wreath workshops in London, we provide everything you need: a moss base, fresh spruce, seasonal foliage, cones, dried fruit, ribbons, and more. But we always encourage guests to bring along their own foraged treasures.

Adding your own ivy, rosemary, or collected pinecones gives your wreath a story — a connection to your local walk or family tradition. It transforms a creative workshop into something even more personal.

How Blooms & Evergreen Uses Sustainable Foliage

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. All of our workshop materials are foam-free, and we source fresh foliage from British growers wherever possible. We also encourage recycling and composting once the season is over.

By combining responsibly sourced materials with your own foraged finds, you’re crafting not only a wreath but also a more sustainable Christmas tradition.

Foraging for wreaths in London is about more than gathering leaves and berries — it’s about connection, mindfulness, and sustainability. By following the rules, respecting nature, and combining your finds with professional workshop materials, you can create a wreath that’s both beautiful and meaningful.

Join our workshops where fresh, seasonal foliage is provided — or bring your own foraged finds to make your wreath truly unique.