The National Police issued this reminder on the occasion of the mycological event that began this Friday in San Martín de la Virgen del Moncayo, in Zaragoza province. Officers recommend checking the conditions governing each area before starting to pick mushrooms in order to avoid breaching the regulations.
The picking of wild mushrooms on forest land in Aragon is regulated by Decree 179/2014 of November 4, which applies to both public and private forests. The regulation distinguishes between two types of harvesting: occasional and regulated.
Occasional harvesting refers to non-commercial picking for personal consumption. This activity is free and unrestricted in forests that are not part of a regulated harvesting area or reserved, provided there is no specific ban or restriction.
In these cases, each person may pick a maximum of three kilos of mushrooms or an apparent volume of 10 liters per day. If the two measurements produce different results, the weight limit will prevail.
WHERE MUSHROOMS CAN BE PICKED AND WHEN A PERMIT IS REQUIRED
Anyone wishing to pick mushrooms in a regulated harvesting area must obtain authorization from its owner or manager. This requirement also applies to those collecting for personal consumption or planning to take less than three kilos.
Private forests are subject to the same harvesting categories. Their owners may reserve the right to pick mushrooms and prohibit occasional harvesting through the appropriate signage. Therefore, the three-kilo limit does not mean that picking mushrooms is permitted on any land.
Pickers must also comply with access restrictions and the specific rules governing protected natural areas, where stricter conditions may apply.
HOW TO PICK MUSHROOMS WITHOUT DAMAGING THE FOREST
Regulations stipulate that mushrooms must be picked without disturbing the soil or altering the vegetation layer. Only tools such as pocketknives, knives and scissors may be used to cut mushrooms. They must also be carried in baskets or other containers that allow ventilation and the dispersal of spores.
Enthusiasts must not destroy specimens they choose to leave in the forest or pick mushrooms during their earliest stages of development. The latter restriction includes certain exceptions for scientific or mycological purposes.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MUSHROOM-PICKING TRIPS
The National Police has also issued a series of recommendations to prevent problems during trips into the forest. Officers advise telling a trusted person about the planned route and approximate return time, sharing one’s location and carrying a mobile phone with sufficient battery. They also recommend checking the weather forecast before setting out and wearing suitable footwear and warm clothing.+
The AlertCops app includes the "Acompáñame" feature, which allows users to schedule how long the activity will last and send emergency contacts an alert with their location at the start and end of the specified period. Police advise setting up these contacts in advance before beginning the route.
Officers also stress the importance of checking that the vehicle is properly locked when parking and not leaving valuables in sight. During the day, they likewise recommend keeping belongings under supervision.
