Rooted in a place, they are designed to transport you there, a source of constant inspiration. Habitats such as woodland and water meadow thread through to create collections that celebrate the nature we cherish – from the rolling Cotswold hills that envelop Thyme, situated in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty, to wild spaces in far-flung corners of the world.

The Golden Thread

Sitting in the summer water meadows at Thyme, you can hear the call of the reed warbler. Small, buff-coloured birds, and weighing about 13 grams, they are easily missed unless you are looking for them. Migrating from sub-Saharan Africa, reed warblers form monogamous pairs building their nests rather like hammocks between the reeds that flourish on the banks of the River Leach.

Having lived here for years, we had never noticed our feathery visitors in such detail until we became involved with the British Trust for Ornithology’s bird ringing project. This revealed an astonishing diversity of wildlife and so clearly demonstrated just how important our wild spaces are for nature. The fact that these birds had flown many thousands of miles to spend the summer and breed here in our water meadow enthralled us.

And they are not the only ones: the hobby (one of Britain’s smallest raptors), martins, swallows, swifts, and cuckoos join them on their long journey.

It was a moment when we realised that in conserving wild spaces for nature to thrive at Thyme, we are in turn helping wildlife in far-flung wild lands. There is a golden thread that joins us to Sub-Saharan Africa, the wetlands of the Okavango or the grasslands of South Africa. How wonderful is that?

Caryn Bertioli Hibbert

Founder of Thyme

Woodlands

Woodlands are rich and diverse habitats, from the treetop canopy to the forest floor, bathing in dappled light they are magical places. Most importantly, trees are the lungs of the earth, playing a vital role in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Our future is inextricably linked to theirs.

The humble hedgerow is a defining feature of the British countryside, a tangle of shrubs, brambles and trees create meandering woodland across the landscape.

Gardens

Every outdoor space can give a home to nature and creating wildlife-friendly spaces in our gardens and parks for nature to thrive is so important.

Cultivated with birds and bees in mind, our country gardens form a series of walled courtyards, lawns, and ponds. From the honey-coloured stone walls, borders of planting that provide nectar-rich food, patches of lawn left uncut, ponds and water features, to the trees and hedges that are the homes and shelters of birds and mammals. 

Partners & Projects

1% for the planet

Proudly part of ‘1% For The Planet’, Bertioli by Thyme is committed to donating 1% of our revenue to environmental causes, giving back to the planet and allowing the nature that inspires us to thrive.

As a globally recognised brand, 1% for the Planet ensures our environmental giving is credible and respected.

West Oxfordshire Farmland Bird Project

West Oxfordshire Farmland Bird Project is run by a small team of volunteers to promote conservation, research and engagement with several local farmers and landowners. The project aims to help turn around the worrying declines in farmland bird populations seen in the UK over the last 50 years, through the promotion of wildlife-friendly management practices, environmental stewardship options and awareness of challenges faced by farmland birds throughout their life cycles. Over the last five years the project has worked on a large number of farms on the conservation of several key species, including Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Barn Owls.