If that is new growth from this Summer then that is where the fruit should appear next year, so leave it alone. Blackberries are pruned by removing the stems which have produced fruit, in the same way as Raspberries.

Thanks O.B. Got it. I thought that was it but wasn't certain. Sadly I have a goldfish-like memory.

To make pruning easier if you have room you can train all one years new shoots to one side so the fruit all appears on the same side and you can cut back the whole lot easily after fruiting. Then the following year train that years shoots into the space you cleared. Pruning is much less prickly this way as there is no sorting out to do. But remember new shoots can be 10 feet long or more in some varieties.

Hank's is a thornless variety so no problems with prickles.

Thanks Sue, O.B. - I always look forward to your replies.

Thank you Hank! How sensible to have bought a thornless one - these breeders are very clever. (Hadn't noticed you had bouthgt one of those - senility again!)But it still make pruning easier if all the shoots to be cut off are on the same side.

Whats O.B./ Old Bean?

Hi Sue, sorry to fool you, it's Owd Boggy.

Oh I see. Obvious really innit?

I couldn't have put it better myself

:(