Despite the abundance of wild garlic in forests around Brussels at this time of year, the picking of the plant remains prohibited in the capital region.
Despite the ban, many people continue to collect wild garlic – or Allium ursinum – when walking in forests, such as the one in Dieleghem which is well-known for the strong aroma that permeates between the trees this time of year due to the large swathes of the edible perennial growing there.
"Many people do it without wanting to harm nature and so what we do first is warn the public about the dangers of picking these flowers," Stéphane Vanwijnsberghe, forest ranger and head of the forest and nature subdivision at Brussels Environment, told RTBF. "IF there is a repeat offence, a new warning will be sent, before a possible fine of 50 euros minimum."
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If the collection of wild garlic is prohibited, it is above all to protect the soil and conserve this species.
"By removing the plant, we remove the reproductive part of the plants,” Vanwijnsberghe added. “If done on a large scale, it can lead to the extinction of this species.”
