The Wild Gooseberries of Treflach are always the first to be in full leaf in early April so I've always known the locations to pick the fruit in July. I have never understood why they are not more widely planted in hedges, however the ones around Treflach are bird seeded.
Prior to 1905 gooseberry growing was a British industry and a huge working-class hobby in the Midlands and North of England with over 170 clubs holding competitions for the largest berry. The introduction of American gooseberry mildew devastated the UK gooseberry and ended the crop as a much-loved national dessert.
The hedge variety of today seems less prolific with fruit but more hedge growth than the modern cultivars you can buy, but if you can beat the birds to the fruit, it is very sweet - although prickly.
At Ty Tegwych, Treflach there are Worcester berries in hedges, a North American import harking back to when all cottagers around here grew their own. Even the big houses had walled gardens to do the same. They were times when natural food trumped all other currencies!