NATURE COLUMN: Bill Cawley
I WAS at Froghall Wharf a few weeks ago all around were the signs of approaching autumn.
A palpable indicator was the appearances of blackberries and brambles by the tow path.
It was still the school holidays and children holidaying on a nearby boat were taking the opportunity to seize whatever container or bag they could find and were avidly taking advantage of this benison of nature.
The kids were greedily cramming their mouths with the blackberries until fingers and lips were stained with the dark juices of the fruit.
The annual appearance of the blackberry is one of the pleasures of childhood and the delight from the antics of the children at Froghall indicated that even with this tech savvy generation the pleasure still remains strong.
It is, after all, the season to take advantage of nature’s free gifts and I myself recall gingerly picking the berries myself, taking care not to be scratched by the thorns when I was a child.
Another experience from my past was picking the bilberries at this time of year which grew in profusion on Wetley Moor although there was the added frisson of concern as signs warning the unwary of the old mine workings around the common were dotted around the land.
Little did I know it at the time but my mother’s family the Sherwins have a strong connection to the moor.
I was somewhat surprised years later of a murder that occurred on Wetley Moor in 1841 in which my great-great great grandfather Thomas Sherwin was a principle witness in the death of William Myatt – found beaten to death in a quarry.
But I digress and we must distance ourselves from such sordid events of the distant past.
People have been taking advantage of this gift of free fruit for many years and during the time of shortage the desire was never the more powerful or urgent.
Exactly 100 years ago towards the end of the First World War at a time of rationing, the Ministry of Food issued guidelines to help people take advantage of the blackberry crop among the hedgerows. The advice is still valid today.
The south side of the hedge being the sunnier side will contain the best berries.
A stick with a crooked handle is a good idea for reaching the long brambles.
A basket with a strap for the shoulder will enable you to have both hands free and lighten your labours.
Close all gates after you as straying stock will damage growing crops.
Landowners and farmers were also asked in the guidance not to trim hedges so that people take advantage of the blackberry harvest until the season was over.