Berried Treasure

The reason for this notice has so far escaped us. We don't think it has anything to do with SWT. It points the way towards the pasture land where magic mushrooms are to be found at the moment; but they are not buried are they? It could be said that all fungi are really underground, of course, as only the fruiting body is actually seen. We've always thought that Blacka would be great place for a treasure hunt so maybe some organisation have had similar thoughts.

Whatever the truth we are truly blessed with easily found berries on Blacka at the end of August, yet another tribute to the value of unmanaged sites.

Most obvious are the bright reds of rowan berries, so prolific that they are inseparable from the defining character of the moor.

Competing in vividness is the hawthorn, though well behind in numbers of trees. As children we gathered these before pea-shooting battles as the most available ammunition in the hedgerow.

Blackthorn was the first to flower in spring and now gives us sloe berries turning from white to purple. The tradition is to wait until after the first frosts before harvesting.

Bilberry is still to be found for those prepared to wander off the tracks. Many have been greedily devoured by wood pigeons, mistle thrushes, foxes and blackbirds not to mention certain black labradors who started guzzling when they were no more than red flowers in April.

But this very desirable healthy fruit can still be found in large numbers if you are persistent.

The cowberry is bright red and close to the ground and delightfully we can see flower and fruit at the same time very close together.

Later than the others is the blackberry, never quite getting to be as fat and juicy as at lower levels but still the tastiest of all when picked at its best.

Elderberry is beloved by home winemakers but is also grand in a fruit pie alongside bramley apple. The berries come last of all and are not yet ready but note the position carefully to make sure others don't get to them first.