Not sure about those further south, but the ones in our hedgerows are not ready for at least another month and in any case they are far better after frost when used for Sloe Gin. However, if they are ripe (soft to the squeeze, rather than hard) then one can simulate the frost by freezing them for a week or so, then defrosting and adding to the gin. No idea if this has any effect on the taste as I am allergic to alcohol, but my daughter says it works!