STRAWBERRY picking season has officially started and we're blessed with some of the very best in the world in our corner of Hampshire.
In the late 19th century, strawberry growing in the world famous Hamble Valley was a booming industry.
In years gone by, during the picking season, the stations of Bursledon and Swanwick were thronged with growers loading their fruit onto special trains which then took the produce all over the country.
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The combination of a mild, frost-free, climate and suitable soils meant that Titchfield strawberries were not only considered to be the best but were also the first to market.
These days, New Forest grown strawberries, which are particularly juicy, bright and delicious, are highly regarded and used by some of the major supermarkets.
No summer afternoon is complete without a bowl of juicy red strawberries and fresh cream.
Pick your own is a great day out for all the family and supports local businesses.
Here's some of the best places to go to pick strawberries.
Pickwell Farm
Find Zeeberry, the famous strawberry zebra rescued from a previous trail around Southampton, and turn left.
Rows and rows of juicy strawberries are available from now until the end of July, with the added bonus of fresh peas and other delights.
The family business has been based in Bursledon since 1985.
Goodalls
Some of the earliest specimens are available at this lovely site, overlooking the Isle of Wight ferry departure point in Lymington, thanks to the rows and rows of polytunnels.
Eight delicious varieties are grown here with the added bonus of a superb crazy golf course nextdoor for added family fun.
Meon Bye Farm
Steve Harris PYO is a small third-generation family run farm. Part of the fabric of Titchfield Village for the last 89 years, the Black Shed Stall opens for the first ready picked strawberries early in the season, followed by pick your own in June.
Hollam Nurseries
Starting out as a small dairy farm in 1961, the site in Titchfield Road, Fareham, specialises in daffodil and sweetcorn farming with pick your own strawberries and pumpkins and sunflowers.
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