Collecting

Does anybody know of any good collecting sites in England??

Hello, I've been meaning to ask this too! I'd also like to know more about the legality, I understand many people politely ask farmers etc if there is any unwanted material on their land, but is it not down right illegal to collect from mountains and parks in Wales/UK?

Any knowledge/opinions welcome!

Your best bet is coastal or at the mouth of the larger rivers

Don't ask? Don't tell!,
has always worked for me!
otherwise innocently claim ignorance...
stonener
*FYI* 

I can understand the don't ask don't tell mentality. but the truth of the matter is that strong winter flows tend to generate a new turn over or "crop" for the following season. Like most things the harder you work at something the "luckier" you get

For 16 years I was fishing editor for 5 community newspapers here in the Pacific NW. used to get hate letters from those who took exception to mentioning their private fishing spots (actually public waters) in my articles. Here again skilled anglers did well and others soon gave up because they weren't as lucky....

stonener wrote:Don't ask? Don't tell!,
has always worked for me!
otherwise innocently claim ignorance...

Sorry, but I cannot believe that this is actually written and not responded to. I personally 100% disagree with don't ask mentality. Going on someone elses property and just starting digging is not very nice. Just turn the chairs; What would you think if someone walked into your garden and just started pulling plants out of the flower beds "Because he likes them, and you don't want them anyway, right?".

I find that the hardest part with asking is finding out who owns a property. And after that.. Walking up to the person, explaining what you want to do and why (Perhaps bring a small bonsai to show them) will get you permission 9 out of 10 times. Then you can just collect the plant properly, at the righ time, and with attention. Leaving the site as you found it, minus one plant, fill the hole. And next time you see a tree you would be most welcome to collect again.

And if the owner sais no.. Accept and walk away. Perhaps 6 months later come back and kindly ask again. Perhaps persistence (Without being annoying) will convince the owner that you really would like that specific plant. Offering to replace with a younger nursery specimen of the same species often brings people around too. Although on most good collecting sites that would not make too much sense, as the plant wouldn't last a year.

Just my 2P.

"WAIT A MINUTE" Leatherback!
This question was asked on a "suiseki. viewing stones & scholar rocks" forum!... 
Who MENTIONS anything about digging up plants? or trees!, ONLY YOU! collecting rocks was my understanding!.
Coast line, Rivers and Steams beds are public domain! and fine as long as your using pockets or backpack and not hauling off truck loads.
If your on Posted Privet Property, a National Park or Someone's Ranch of course permission or permits are needed! by law or common courtesy!
I too would shoot if someone did what you suggest...
stonener
*re-read topic*

stonener wrote:"WAIT A MINUTE" Leatherback!
This question was asked on a "suiseki. viewing stones & scholar rocks" forum!... 
Who MENTIONS anything about digging up plants? or trees!, ONLY YOU! collecting rocks was my understanding!.
Coast line, Rivers and Steams beds are public domain! and fine as long as your using pockets or backpack and not hauling off truck loads.
If your on Posted Privet Property, a National Park or Someone's Ranch of course permission or permits are needed! by law or common courtesy!
I too would shoot if someone did what you suggest...
stonener
*re-read topic*

 
Blupblupbly
{takes sock out of mouth}
Shoop. Missed that completely. My bad.
 

I read the forum through the 'recent posts' listing, and I guess I missed the forum section. Should have known better (Which is why I was sooo surprised). Yeah, with rocks along riverbanks the situation is slightly different I guess. Although, is it really...?

Hi Darylh...  I can speak to a couple of finely-grained, jet-black landscape view stones obtained/gifted from UK friends Dan Barton & Dave Sampson.
 
In 1992, Dave collected one of the stones in Dartmoor.   Dave is a serious stone scholar & searcher for truth-- he identified the stone as black tourmaline.   Dan Barton gave me a stone in the mid-1990s which had been published in The Bonsai Book (publ. 1989).  He collected the stone, which he identified as serpentine, from the Cornwall coast.  I've collected stones on the south coast of Wales-- my finds were object stones of less merit that Dave's or Dan's.

Treat others' property as you would have them treat your property.  Try to give deference to fisherman & campers as well as property owners. Check with game wardens or wildlife management staff on public property as they often are the overseers & interpreters of trespass.  Heed the spirit as well as content of posted warnings by agencies & private property owners.  

In my region (mid-Atlantic states, USA), there are areas where you risk fines for 'floating over' or 'wading within' streams; some rivers & streams which are "open to the public" only allow fishing. Common English law once implied that the sea & its navigable arms are open to public purpose, but abuse of that privilege has led to codification & enforcement of numerous exceptions.

Your most treasured experience will come when recognized as a responsible steward of nature.   Opportunities arise among collectors to assist each other... and most of us look forward to sharing.

Hi Chris
I haven't been as lucky as you to be given any stones
I have found a site I think may have some nice stones and am planning a day out collecting in the next week or two, fingers crossed I find something

Hi Chris

Please show us the two stones from your UK friends Dan Barton & Dave Sampson. I am sure we are many who would like to see them.

Good luck to you Darylh...look forward to see your finds...

Kind regards yvonne