Walking into Hetchell Wood can get you quite a haul! Park on Milner Lane, and follow the path into the wood to find blackberry bushes lining your way! Details about this great nature reserve (that also provides good paddling opportunities) here.
There are a few good spots around Meanwood Park, especially along the Meanwood Valley Trail. This year some have been spotted near the lane down from Hollin Drive (although are quickly being eaten up), as well as between the park and the allotments off Parkside Road. Find out more about the trail here.
Just down the road, we’ve been told that Meanwood Valley Farm is also a great spot, so you can combine animals with a blackberry hunt; surely that’s every child’s dream?!
Along the edges of the woods you should find lots of juicy blackberries for you!
Ooooh this one is a bit of a hidden gem! We’ve been told that there are a number of blackberry bushes near the Buckstone Avenue entrance!
Visit the most quietest part of this beautiful park! Just next to the car park on Wetherby Road, you’ll find the church of Roundhay St John’s. Through the church graveyard to the little wooden gate, and you should find lots of blackberries!
You don’t really need an excuse for a walk along the canal, but here’s one anyway! There’s a beautiful canal path between the Ring Road at Calverley all the way to Kirkstall, with lots of Blackberries around the Rodley area.
This is a lovely little nature reserve just a short drive away from North Leeds. As well as finding blackberries, make sure to take your children on the great nature trail they have there.
This fantastic RSPB reserve is a perfect place to roam with Mini Mumblers (or they can take their bikes) and we’re told it has looooaaaaads of blackberries just waiting for you to pick them! Read more about St Aidans here.
Just down the road from St Aidans, a few North Leeds Mumblers have suggested exploring the canal path between Woodlesford Lock and Fishpond Lock, as well as Eshald Wood in Water Haigh Woodland Park.
If you find yourself with too many blackberries that you know what to do with, here are some suggestions from fellow North Leeds Mumblers on what to do with them!
Use 1 cup of frozen blackberries, and heat them in a pan until they are melted before mashing them! Add 1 tbsp Chia seeds and 1/2 tbsp lemon juice. Have a little taste and add honey if needed. Leave to cool and thicken for 5 minutes and there you have it!
Blackberries are awesome, they are full of vitamins and minerals like C, K, and manganese. That helps the body fight colds, absorb iron and heal wounds. Just half a cup will provide half of your daily vitamin C requirements. They are high in fiber which helps keep you fuller and keeps your digestive system run well. Some studies have even shown that consuming 3 cups a week can boost brain health!
Hopefully you’re now armed with everything that you need to head out and pick some blackberries. It would be great to see your adventures! Remember to tag @northleedsmumbler on Instagram to get your Blackberry picking missions shared!
