Few animals have such a strong link with the water meadows at Thyme as the Barn Owl. Present all year around but only fleetingly seen or heard at dawn and dusk when they’re travelling to and from their roosting spots inside tree trunk hollows or the artificial nest boxes provided for them. It has been an unalloyed privilege to spend time in the meadows over the last few years and to regularly see the owls hunting over the rough grassland, quartering up and down the lengths of the fields, hovering momentarily with their head turned towards the earth, before dropping silently onto their unsuspecting prey.

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.

Although the mornings are still cold, the wind has shifted to blow from the south bringing with it a wave of migratory birds that have been spending the winter in southern Europe or across the Sahara in West Africa.

A future where much of the wildlife we take for granted really is gone is a real possibility if action isn’t taken now

Ed Faulkner, co-founder of Sapling, gets to the roots of tree planting

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.

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.

Tusk is delighted to partner with Thyme in promoting the conservation of wild spaces at a time when biodiversity needs protecting more than ever. Tusk was founded 30 years ago to safeguard the wildlife and habitats of Africa.