About mushroom and berry picking

The collection of berries and mushrooms in the forests of Belarus is regulated by environmental standards. The maximum fine for illegal harvesting of wild edibles for citizens now reaches 900 rubles.

Before heading out for forest gifts, it is necessary to ensure there are no local restrictions.

Be sure to check the interactive map on the official website of the Ministry of Forestry. During the fire hazard period, forest access may be partially restricted or completely prohibited. A fine of up to 540 rubles is imposed for being in a forest closed to visitors.

It is forbidden to collect wild edibles in nature reserves, national parks, as well as in protection zones for rare animal and plant species.

The dates for collecting lingonberries and cranberries are approved by regional executive committees on an individual basis as the crop ripens. Premature collection is considered an offense.

In Belarus, it is officially permitted to use special hand-held devices (so-called "harvesters" or "scoops") for collecting blueberries, bilberries, lingonberries, and cranberries. However, the tool must strictly comply with technical requirements.

Mushroom picking for personal use is free, but requires strict adherence to environmental culture. It is strictly forbidden to rake through forest litter, moss, or dry leaves with hands, rakes, or other tools. Exposing the mycelium leads to its drying out and death, causing mushrooms to no longer grow in that spot.

A separate severe penalty is provided for collecting mushrooms listed in the Red Book of Belarus – a fine of up to 1350 rubles.

Violation of mushroom picking technology or damage to the forest litter also incurs a fine of up to 900 rubles.