An incident at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire has drawn attention after a woman, Louise Gather, claimed that police attempted to bar her from the park due to accusations of illegal mushroom foraging. Mrs. Gather stated that a police officer visited her at home with a community resolution report claiming she had been picking mushrooms illegally in the park, which is designated as a site of special scientific interest.
The Bradgate Park Trust, responsible for the park, lodged a complaint against Mrs. Gather for allegedly harvesting mushrooms illegally. Despite her assertion that she did not pick any mushrooms during her visit in November, the 38-year-old found it excessive when Leicestershire Police tried to take action against her. Mrs. Gather expressed her surprise and dismay at the incident, calling the response from authorities “a bit excessive.”
Mrs. Gather took to social media platform TikTok to share details of the community resolution order she received. This informal agreement between the party that files a complaint and the alleged offender outlined conditions by which Mrs. Gather would not face prosecution or have a criminal record. However, it was later revealed that the order was invalid since the officer mistakenly had Mrs. Gather’s husband sign the agreement instead of her.
Reflecting on the events, Mrs. Gather described feeling as though common sense was not employed in the situation, especially considering she did not pick any mushrooms at the park. She emphasized her respect for the environment, acknowledging Bradgate Park’s designation as a site of special scientific interest. Mrs. Gather also highlighted the rarity of the magpie inkcaps she was seeking during her visit to the park, explaining her interest in fungi and her harmless intentions during her time there
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