Until fairly recently I'd only ever thought of wild strawberries as a welcome addition to the garden. In my sunny, dry site they stay confined to one or two semi shady spots, prettily flowering and producing their lovely fruits.

However...
Within the last month alone I've worked in two gardens, where wild strawberries have really run amok.
Borders literally riddled with them, smothering other plants and even sneaking into paved drives and paths.
So are they friend or foe?
Benefits
Native to the UK and the flowers are attractive to pollinators.
They're edible! A good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. They're low in calories and fat (but you'd need a huge area to harvest anything more than a mid-gardening snack!)
They're also are a good source of food for birds and other wildlife.
Easy to grow and the spreading habit can help suppress weeds and fill in gaps in your garden.
Downsides
While their spreading nature can be an advantage, it can also make them invasive if not properly controlled. Regular pruning and containment are necessary.
Unlike cultivated strawberries, wild strawberries produce smaller fruit. This might not be ideal if you're looking for substantial yields.
Controlling wild strawberries
Hand Weeding: Remove excess plants, making sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.
Remove runners regularly. Wild strawberries spread primarily through runners - long, slender stems from the base of the plant. To unwanted spreading, remove the runners as soon as you see them.
Mulch around your plants. Mulching around your plants can help to prevent germination of new plants.
Despite needing a bit of effort to keep them in check, on balance, I'm still a fan of wild strawberries!
Are wild strawberries friend or foe in your garden?
Friend
A bit of both
Foe