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DEPENDS Flanders Wallonia Brussels

Can I pick mushrooms in the forest?

In short

In Brussels, it is completely forbidden. In Flanders, it is also forbidden; people who pick small amounts usually only get a warning. In Wallonia, it is allowed in the Region's forests up to 10 litres per person.

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This rule in 51 seconds
Video transcript

After the rain, mushrooms have popped up in the forest. You want to fill your basket. It depends: Banned in Brussels and Flanders. In Wallonia's regional forests, up to 10 litres per person is allowed. The right way: Follow the regional rule; never pick in a nature reserve. Do not eat mushrooms you do not know. Outcome: Small first offence: Usually a warning; Wallonia: 50 – 150 € settlement fine; Large amounts: Administrative fine.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • Brussels: Picking mushrooms is forbidden in all forests and woods. It is also forbidden in the Walloon part of the Sonian Forest.
  • Flanders: Picking mushrooms is forbidden. People who pick small amounts usually only get a warning; this is not permission. People who pick kilos of them get an official report and an administrative fine.
  • Wallonia: In the Region's forests, you may pick at most 10 litres per person, from sunrise to sunset. During the hunting season this general permission is suspended. Picking for commercial purposes is forbidden.
  • Picking is forbidden everywhere in nature reserves and for protected species.
  • Health warning: In Belgium, there are poisonous mushrooms that look like edible species from other countries. If in doubt, call the Poison Centre (Antigifcentrum / Centre Antipoisons): 070 245 245, 24/7. If life is in danger, call 112.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICE
Fine / payment
In Wallonia, the forest administration can offer a settlement fine of 50–150 €. In Brussels, anyone who breaks the picking ban in a nature or forest reserve can get an administrative fine of 50–62.500 €. In Flanders, an administrative fine can be imposed.

Legal basis:Brussels Wetboek milieumisdrijven 25.3.1999, art. 45wallonie.be – Circuler en forêt

Court / prison
In Brussels, the law lists 8 days to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of 50–100.000 € for breaking the picking ban in a nature or forest reserve. Commercial picking or theft can lead to criminal proceedings.

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek II, art. 465Natuurordonnantie 1.3.2012, art. 27 §1, 93 + Wetboek 25.3.1999, art. 31 §1

What really matters: the indirect consequences

  • The forest ranger writes an official report (proces-verbaal / procès-verbal) on people who break the rule. In Wallonia they can offer a settlement fine of 50–150 €.

    Legal basis:wallonie.be – Circuler en forêt

  • Eating poisonous mushrooms can cause serious poisoning
  • Picking to sell is not allowed. In Wallonia the law defines 'prélèvement' as picking a small amount only for your own use, not for profit; even this needs the forest owner's permission (Forest Code art. 3 and 50).

    Legal basis:Code forestier 15.7.2008, art. 1er, 18°ejustice.just.fgov.be

Why does this rule exist?

The forests of Brussels have more than 900 species of fungi, and most are rare. Mushrooms are necessary for the health of the forest and are food for animals. Organised pickers are stripping the forests; the rules also protect the rights of other visitors.

Check your own situationThe right decision in natureChestnuts, mushrooms, dead wood, linden flowers, fishing, the tree in your garden, a barbecue in the park: what is allowed and what is not?

Where can you go?

  • Regional nature agenciesFlanders: Natuur en Bos · Wallonia: DNF · Brussels: Bruxelles Environnement
  • MunicipalityMunicipal forests, animal registration and places for sacrificial slaughter
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
15 / 15 statements in an official source
Checked: 02.11.2026
Last checked
12.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 15 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

Related rules

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Can I pick chestnuts in the forest?

It depends on the region. In Wallonia, you need the forest owner's permission for chestnuts; some municipal forests allow small amounts. In Flanders, it is forbidden as a rule; for small amounts you usually only get a warning. Picking without permission in order to sell can count as theft.Open the rule Nature and animalsNot allowed

Can I take dry branches or wood lying on the ground in the forest?

No, as a rule you cannot. In Flanders and Brussels, it is forbidden, including dry branches. In Wallonia, you must have the owner's permission.Open the rule Nature and animalsNot allowed

Can I pick linden (lime) blossoms from a tree in the street or in the park?

As a rule, no. Street and park trees belong to the municipality or the region. Breaking branches, climbing the tree or putting a ladder on the road can lead to a penalty.Open the rule