Buried in the mists of Thyme: The trees of Christmas past

Driving down the Thyme estate drive on a misty January day, you’ll be met with an unusual sight. The glittering symbol of the festive season, once adorned with lights and ornaments, the Christmas trees of Thyme now bring a new joy to our flock of Welsh Black Mountain sheep.

The sheep eat the bark and pine needles of our christmas trees which are full of nutrition: they contain very high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants and nutrients, and some say can even help clean the teeth of the sheep.

The Christmas trees that aren’t eaten by the sheep will be replanted in our fields, or chipped into wood chip which is used as mulch by Jack and Alex in the Gardening Team. It’s used in the produce garden and the flower beds alike, for retaining moisture, suppressing weeds and providing the soil with nutrients. It also looks quite smart.

Simon and Sam from our Estates team help look after them, they feed them and make sure they don’t stray too far, and in return the sheep help us mow the meadows. They have been known to occasionally pay a visit to the Meadow Spa when they are feeling indulgent.

“They’re not eating too much because they’re quite plump at the moment” says Sam fondly, whilst making a strong sugary tea, brushing wood chip dust from his hat. 

Thyme marked its 18th Christmas last year with 25 Christmas trees around the estate, some decorated with locally-foraged hops and dried hydrangeas. As you might have guessed, nature is and always has been the foundational creative inspiration at Thyme, season after season.

This spring, we’re delighted to announce that a few new lambs will be joining our 63 strong flock!