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Gathering wild garlic in Leipzig
Wild garlic lovers get their money’s worth every year in Leipzig during the spring. But a few things should be kept in mind. For example, you are not permitted to gather this distinctively scented plant without limitations. Gathering wild garlic is even completely prohibited in nature reserves and at natural landmarks.
Wild garlic is a very tasty and healthy plant, but you cannot harvest it in large quantities. According to the Saxon Forest Act, everyone – no matter who owns the forest – can gather a small amount for their own use, about the size of bouquet.
Approval is required for commercial use
If you would like to gather larger quantities (shopping bags, sacks) of wild garlic, you must obtain the consent of the forest owner and the nature conservation authority.
A permit from the nature conservation authority is required in any case for commercial use. This authority provides regulations such as the one stipulating that only quantities the size of a bouquet may be gathered.
Violations constitute a misdemeanour and can be punished according to section 52 of the Saxon Forest Act with a fine of up to Euro 2,500.
Gathering in nature reserves or at natural landmarks not permitted
It is also important to take note of where you gather wild garlic. Leipzig’s forests are mostly in protected areas, where leaving the trails is often not permitted. Gathering wild garlic directly on the trails is also not permitted everywhere. In general, no plants or parts of plants may be taken from protected areas or natural landmarks.
In Leipzig, there are four nature reserves with a total area of about 400 hectares. This makes up 1.3 percent of the entire urban area. The nature reserves Burgaue and Luppeaue are located in the northwestern floodplain; the two nature reserves Elster and Pleiße Auewald and Lehmlache Lauer are located in the southern riparian forest.
You can find an overview map of the location and boundaries of these four nature reserves located in the Leipzig Auwald area as well as the natural landmarks in Leipzig on www.leipzig.de/naturschutz.