IT'S that time of year again when you'll see bramble bushes sprouting the most delicious-looking blackberries, but are they safe to eat?
Blackberries are a superfood, offering particular protection against age-related neurodegenerative diseases and bone loss.
They also potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells, provide anti-inflammatory properties and offer benefits for the heart, gut and brain.
If you've ever been out and about picking blackberries, you may have heard all sorts of rumours, but what are the facts?
Blackberries are the best berries and it’s not even close
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Is It Safe To Eat Wild Blackberries In The UK?
“While it might be tempting to strip the brambles of all the ripe blackberries, do consider that birds and small mammals also enjoy these juicy dark fruits,” says Eric Michels, head Vivara Pro at CJ Wildlife.
Thelifestyleblogger says: "In short, yes, although it is advised you wash and freeze them before eating to kill any bugs that might be on them.
"However, if you aren’t sure that what you’re picking is actually blackberries, don’t eat them as there are some poisonous look-alikes! Make sure you find out from someone with this kind of knowledge before you start eating them to avoid any possible confusion.
"Yes, many berries in the UK are poisonous and can very easily kill you should you get it wrong. Always edge on the side of caution when it comes to picking any wild food source.
Brits issued urgent £300 warning over rules when picking wild blackberries https://t.co/oOAAlGkfhX
— Western Telegraph (@WTelegraph) August 27, 2025
"It’s also wise not to collect any ripe fruits that are low to the ground, as you never know what wild animals might have used that bush as their toilet! If possible, only pick these delicious blackberries from waist-high and above to be safe.
"Also, if you are picking your edible berries from a spot by a busy road, make sure you wash them extra carefully to get all of the fumes and chemicals left by the traffic pollution off them first. Personally, I wouldn’t go wild blackberry picking by a busy road for that very reason."
And if you eat them straight from the bush, they contain more vitamins and nutrients than any shop-bought blueberries, blackberries or raspberries.
