Bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lakeland fells
Season
Year-round. Berries July to September.
Best time of day
Any. Widespread on the fells.
Lake District
Dominant on acid moorland across the Lakes. You'll walk through it. Berries in late summer.
UK population
Widespread in upland Britain.
Overview
Bilberry is everywhere on the fells. That low shrub with the purple berries. July to September. Pick a few. Leave most. It's the food of grouse and red deer.
At a Glance
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Habitat | Heather moorland · Upland · Acid soil |
| UK population | Widespread in upland Britain. |
| Lake District | Dominant on acid moorland across the Lakes. You'll walk through it. Berries in late summer. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Heather moorland throughout the Lake District. The fells, Grizedale, the eastern moorlands. Underfoot on most walks.
Identification
Low shrub. Small oval leaves. Purple berries. Smaller than cultivated blueberry.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Late summer for berries. The fells. It's underfoot on most walks. Don't strip it.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.