Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi there - I'm hoping somebody can help me.
I am based in Leeds, and I'm looking to go Bilberry picking, as this is something I have never done before. However, I'm finding it difficult to find out online where the best places to go to pick them are. I realise July is probably the best time, and that moorland is probably the best environment, but I'm hoping that somebody can point me in the right direction...
thanks everyone

Can't say as I have ever found wild bilberries myself, but Im sure they are out here somewhere. Sorry can't be of much help. It is also a big help to put your location on your profile as it helps with replys sometimes.

Ian

Hopefully not too far (and a lovely day out!) but Brimham Rocks is fab for bilberry picking. I grew up on a farm nearby and have many happy memories!

Brimham Rocks near Summerbridge in Nidderdale by Daelnet's Yorkshire Dales

__________________
http://thankyouforthedays.blogspot.com/

Always look on the bright side of life...
I mean - what have you got to lose?
You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!

I'd agree with that Seahorse Also, near to me (but not quite so dramatic!) Farnhill Moor, just outside Skipton, definately has bilberries too.

__________________
Sarah

http://wixypixies.blogspot.com/

“Tell me one last thing,” said Harry. “Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?”
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

I'm going to echo Seahorse here, and say head out to Brimham Rocks - I have returned from there loaded with Bilberries more than a few times! (My sister lives in Harrogate, in case you're wondering why someone living in Pembrokeshire heads all that way to pick bilberries! There are lots round me too.)

You're way too early to find any yet though - they are usually at their peak in August, but may be about in July depending on the weather. It does seem to vary more than it used to though, due to our ever changing climate. When I was a young 'un, living surrounded by heather moorland (and therefore bilberry bushes) in the North Yorkshire Moors, the best time used to be around the 'Glorious Twelth', i.e. 12th of August, when the grouse shooting started. It could add a certain excitement to picking!

When we visited the Bronte Vicarage we had a walk over the adjoining Moor and came across quite a number of bilberries.

I thought bilberries didn't come out until August but found loads today next to Loch Lomond.