You’ve probably see that the bushes are bursting with berries at the moment.
We’ve been gathering some in preparation for making jam and possibly blackberry whiskey, so it was with interest that we saw the following message on a BBC Website:
I have always picked blackberries and wild apples and plums, and even made elderberry wine. But two weeks ago a community support officer told myself and my daughter we were illegally collecting berries from the hedgerows as it was council-owned. I contacted the council, and was eventually told I should have got permission from the highways.
Dr Antonias Vaccilio, Isle of Wight
We got in touch with the Isle of Wight Council to check out the official position.
Reassuringly they say it’s all OK to pick – which make sense.
Here’s the full reply.
It’s not illegal to pick berries for personal use and we have no record of anyone being approached and given this advice from the council. It may’ve been a PCSO who spoke to the person.
Calling Dr Antonias Vaccilio
We’ve had a little search for Dr Antonias Vaccilio on the Island, but haven’t been able to find source for her (we _think_ the name is female). If you’re her, or you know her, please get in touch.
Problems with picking
Have you ever had any reaction from authority about your berry picking on the Island? It’d also be interesting to hear about that too.
