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Don't Pick Blackberries: Wildlife Needs Them!
31 Aug
Summary
- Wildlife is under pressure due to a dry summer.
- Bramble berries are a vital food source for birds and mammals.
- Rangers are discouraging visitors from picking blackberries.
Rangers at Attenborough Nature Reserve are discouraging visitors from picking blackberries due to the ongoing impact of a prolonged dry summer on local wildlife. As of August 31, 2026, many species are under significant pressure and require all available sustenance.
Bramble shrubs are a critical food source, providing berries for birds like blackbirds and warblers, as well as for small mammals such as mice and badgers. The flowers also serve as a vital resource for bees during late summer.
While in previous years picking a few berries was acceptable, this year rangers are adding to caution. They emphasize that the site is a nature reserve and a site of special scientific interest, necessitating a balance between visitor access and the needs of the wildlife.
