Hello, I'm Ash

British Berries is a one-person project with a simple aim: to be the most practical, honest guide to growing, foraging, and enjoying berries in the UK — from everyday strawberries and raspberries to the unusual stuff like cloudberries, jostaberries and pineberries.

What started as a couple of strawberry plants on a windowsill turned into a garden — and then a bit of an obsession — full of berries of every kind. Along the way I've killed my fair share of plants, fought the slugs and the blackbirds, and worked out what actually thrives in the British climate rather than what the seed packet promises.

Everything I publish here comes from that hands-on experience, backed up by proper research. If I haven't grown something myself yet, I'll say so, and I'll tell you where the information comes from. The goal is advice you can actually trust and use this weekend.

What you'll find here

• Growing guides for popular and unusual berries, written for UK conditions and seasons.
• Foraging notes on wild British berries — including which ones to leave well alone.
• Variety comparisons to help you pick the right plant for your space, soil and patience level.
• Honest verdicts — if a plant is more trouble than it's worth in our climate, I'll tell you.

How these guides are written

Each article is researched and written by hand, drawing on first-hand growing experience, reputable horticultural sources, and the realities of gardening in Britain. Nothing here is auto-generated filler. If you spot something that doesn't match your own experience, I'd genuinely like to hear about it.