Returning from any walk around the water meadows at Thyme these days, now involves the ritual of removing seeds and burrs from your trousers, sleeves and bootlaces. Although not perhaps the main target of this seed dispersal mechanism, we end up collecting many seed heads and burrs as we walk through the long grass and dense vegetation.

Situated adjacent to the water meadows of the river Leach, our kitchen gardens are a joy. With tranquil views, we often see the barn owls hunting throughout the day, kites and buzzards soaring overhead, white egrets and herons, snipe, teal and mallard and sometimes a flash of the brightest blue kingfisher.

So far this summer, the numbers of insects being recorded seems to be far lower than average and one of the main causes could be the long, dry summer we experienced last year which interrupted the natural breeding cycles of many species. Stepping into the water meadows at Southrop at the moment is excitedly different.

Each migratory bird species carves out its own unique niche in the ecosystem, relying on a fine balance of food, shelter and nesting habitat to survive. This makes them exceptionally vulnerable to influences from outside. Local reserves for nature, such as the Thyme water meadows, offer valuable sanctuary for migratory birds to make home.

Cut off by floodwater, thick hedgerows and the fast-flowing river, the water meadows at Southrop form the perfect haven for wildlife in winter, where rich grasslands, flooded ponds and berry-laden bushes are found, hidden away from human disturbance.

Nothing beats sitting in the long grasses, warmth beaming down, and a sundowner served from an old Landy in hand. It is a scene reminiscent of an evening on safari. But this particular scene took place in ourWater Meadows, a reminder that wild spaces are not always a plane ride away and the nature on. our doorstep is in need of our attention. In partnership with Plantlife, we hosted a talk discussing not only how important meadowlands are in the UK’s conservation efforts, but also to human health and creative inspiration.

It has been a cold start to spring this year, with even snow falling at the beginning of April, but over the past few weeks as the days have grown longer and warmer and the sun rises higher each day in the sky, spring has sprung.

September is a time of change in the meadows as the floriferous canvas evolves into a habitat for barn owls and other birds, as well as autumnal wildflower species.

Flower Pressing with JamJar Flowers

A special exhibition of pressed botanicals will be hosted at Thyme, during Wild Meadow season, by JamJar Flowers. Founder, Melissa Richardson, shares her wisdom on the do’s and don’ts of wildflower picking

The Wonderment of Wildflowers

In one square meter of wild flower meadow the diversity of plants which in turn support the wildlife is astonishing, meadowlands being arguably Britain’s most biodiverse habitat.

Co-founder of JamJar Flowers, Melissa Richardson, shares her wisdom on the do’s and don’ts of wildflower picking.

Thyme x Plantlife

Thyme is proud to announce that we are a Patron of Plantlife, the conservation charity which helps landowners to restore and create their own meadows and owns and manages meadow reserves across Britain.