SNH Offers Advice On Bumper Berry Crop

27th August 2013

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is offering advice to berry pickers after a bumper crop of wild raspberries, brambles and other berries this year.

The hot weather has resulted in excellent crops of berries right across Scotland, giving Scots a chance to get outdoors and celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland.

Wild berries grow in Tayside, particularly in the fertile Strathmore valley, but also in Grampian, the Highlands, Arran, Ayrshire and the Borders. In Scottish summers, heat combined with long daylight hours help most berries ripen, creating plenty of flavour. On their own or mixed together, they make superb jams or jellies.

In Scotland, you can pick wild berries for your own consumption, although not for commercial purposes or for profit.

Ashleigh Tooth of SNH said:“Collecting wild berries gets you out and about – and they’re free too, of course! We have some of the best outdoor access rights in the Europe in Scotland, so we should all take advantage and get out into the countryside. Just take care when you’re picking the berries that you don’t harm the plant.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said:“The Year of Natural Scotland is all about getting people out and about enjoying our stunning landscapes. We’ve been lucky enough to have a fantastic summer this year, and I’d urge everyone to enjoy the rest of the year, especially if there is a treat or two along the way.”

For more information on outdoor access rights in Scotland, see www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

For more information on berries in Scotland, see the Visit Scotland web page at http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/food-drink/scottish-food/berries/