[fallen angel]

If I plant some sloes will they grow into fruiting bushes or could I take cuttings from the wild sloes in my area?
If so how best to go about it please?

Many thanks.

[DD.]

No reason why they won't fruit, but taking cuttings from wild bushes is actually forbidden by section 4(3) of the Theft Act  1968.

"(3)A person who picks mushrooms growing wild on any land, or who picks flowers, fruit or foliage from a plant growing wild on any land, does not (although not in possession of the land) steal what he picks, unless he does it for reward or for sale or other commercial purpose.

For purposes of this subsection “mushroom” includes any fungus, and “plant” includes any shrub or tree."

Taking woody cuttings goes a step beyond "flowers, fruit or foliage".

[Trikidiki]

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus

foliage
noun {U} UK    ˈfəʊ.li.ɪd  US    ˈfoʊ-
       
› the ​leaves of a ​plant or ​tree, or ​leaves on the ​stems or ​branches on which they are ​growing:

[Salmo]

I see no reason why sloe stones should not grow. They will probably need to be put in a pot to overwinter when then should germinate in the Spring.

The best way is to dig/pull up a sucker. You will have to ask the landowners permission of course.

Not sure how to take a cutting but the same applies.

There are plenty of young plats on sale but that means paying.

[DD.]

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus

foliage
noun {U} UK    ˈfəʊ.li.ɪd  US    ˈfoʊ-
       
› the ​leaves of a ​plant or ​tree, or ​leaves on the ​stems or ​branches on which they are ​growing:

That's OK then. By that definition I can go hacking down branches off trees to put on my log burner! (if I had one).

[DD.]

Definition of foliage in English:
noun

[MASS NOUN]
Plant leaves collectively

This was actually my project during police training. OK it was in 1975, but the theft Act 1968 has yet to be superseded!

[fallen angel]

So if in Octoberish I pick some sloes and plant a few they should grow and produce fruit at some point?

Seems the most legal way of doing it 

[DD.]

Should do, but I think you'll need to be patient!

[mumofstig]

Buy a plant?

https://www.best4hedging.co.uk/blackthorn-hedge-plants-pp32/s310?vs_vat=inc&gclid=CjwKEAiA9JW2BRDxtaq2ruDg22oSJACgtTxcqrWz-xgEUqNdGpK3y1i3FIwNd3RPOK7bBteRq0mahRoCHynw_wcB

[Lardman]

Id go with buying plants too. I put some in about 5 years ago now and I've still yet to have anything of significance in terms of fruit from them.

[ptarmigan]

As above.  They are really quite cheap to buy, I put mine in 4 years ago - bought as whips - and while they have taken well, it's going to be a long time till I see any fruit!

[Trikidiki]

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus

foliage
noun {U} UK    ˈfəʊ.li.ɪd  US    ˈfoʊ-
       
› the ​leaves of a ​plant or ​tree, or ​leaves on the ​stems or ​branches on which they are ​growing:

That's OK then. By that definition I can go hacking down branches off trees to put on my log burner! (if I had one).

Equally inordinate would be any suggestion that it was legal to strip all the leaves from the trees but leave their twigs and branches.

[smilydog]

Planted a mixed hedge 7 years ago, got first Sloes in 2014, not many, but enough for a litre of Sloe Gin, Enough for 3 litres in 2015

[BabbyAnn]

As above.  They are really quite cheap to buy, I put mine in 4 years ago - bought as whips - and while they have taken well, it's going to be a long time till I see any fruit!

I had a look at MoS's link - I'm tempted.  Is there a minimum order?  I couldn't see anything to suggest you needed to buy X number.  In which case if not, I'm very tempted

[Salmo]

You do not need many sloes. Probably easier to take a country walk in the Autumn and pick some.

Who would want blackthorn growing anyway except in a wild hedge or wood. Nasty prickles and a tend to put out suckers.