The Goyte Valley in the UK is a treasure trove of natural wonders. One of the best things about it is the abundance of bilberries. These small, dark blue berries grow wild in the valley, and we have been collecting them for years.
As a family, we have a secret spot where we go to collect bilberries. It's away from the footpaths and requires a bit of a hike, but the reward is well worth it. We make the trek several times throughout the summer and into early autumn when the berries are ripe and ready to be picked.
Bilberries are incredibly nutritious and full of antioxidants, making them a great addition to any diet. Plus, they're delicious! Our children love snacking on them while we're out for a walk. It's a great way to get them excited about nature and healthy eating.
When we arrive at our secret spot, we spread out and start collecting as many bilberries as we can. It's important to be gentle and only pick the ripe ones, leaving the unripe berries to grow and mature for future harvests. We fill up our baskets and containers, being careful not to squish the delicate fruit.
As we make our way back home, our hands stained with the telltale purple juice, we feel a sense of pride and connection to the land. It's a small act of foraging that connects us to the natural world and the cycles of the seasons.
Back home, we use the bilberries in a variety of ways. We add them to smoothies, sprinkle them on top of yoghurt, or bake them into muffins and pies. The possibilities are endless.
Collecting wild bilberries in the Goyte Valley reminds us that nature provides for us in so many ways and that it's up to us to be good stewards of the land.
