Mushroom picking 2024. You can get a high fine
Mushroom season is in full swing. Mushroom lovers walk through the forests in the early morning hours in search of the best specimens. However, you can’t collect everywhere.
Mushroom picking is undoubtedly one of Poles’ favorite activities, especially at the turn of summer and autumn. It is often a hobby cultivated by entire families, from generation to generation. Some people go to the forests near where they live, and others can drive hundreds of kilometers, traveling around the country and looking for interesting places in distant areas.
Where is it forbidden to pick mushrooms?
According to the government website gov.pl, based on official data from the State Forests, picking mushrooms is prohibited:
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in protected areas: in reserves and national parks,
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on crops up to 4 m high,
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in parts of the forest where entry is permanently prohibited,
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in seed stands and experimental areas,
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in game reserves,
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on areas belonging to the army.
What is the fine for mushroom picking?
If we pick mushrooms in places where there is currently a temporary or permanent ban on entering the forest, we may be fined from PLN 20 to PLN 500. However, if we collect mushrooms that are protected, our budget may be reduced by up to PLN 5,000.
Who can issue a ticket for mushroom picking?
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Forest guard – in state forests, forest guards have the right to control people picking mushrooms and impose a fine for violating nature protection regulations or forest use regulations.
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National park rangers – in national parks, park rangers have the authority to control and issue fines for picking mushrooms in places where it is prohibited.
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The police may also impose a fine for violations related to mushroom picking in protected areas or on private land.
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City/municipal guards – if a violation of regulations related to mushroom picking takes place within a city or commune, the city or commune guard may intervene and fine the mushroom picker.
