When to pick blackberries?

August, September and early October are the best months to pick these juicy fruits from hedgerows.

Here are our top tips for foraging delicious blackberries:

1. Look high and low - When you find a likely-looking spot covered in berries, try not to clear the area completely. Leave some for the animals and allow the plants to re-seed. Avoiding bushes by busy roads and any fruit that is low enough to be ‘watered’ by passing dogs.
2. Try not to eat them until they're washed - This is a tricky tip to follow as they're very tempting to snack on as you forage.
3. Take care - Wear long sleeves and trousers and take care when moving through hedgerows; you might get caught in the bushes or meet a few stinging nettles!
4. Pick firm, plump-looking berries - The squashed ones will spoil quicker.
5. Eat or freeze your berries within 24 hours - And don't wash them until you're ready to freeze or eat them, otherwise, they'll spoil.

Tips & Tricks from National Trust.