Wild Gatherers This is the project of a nature-loving couple, Michaël Berthoud and Marie Mellioret, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences. Based in French-speaking Switzerland in the magnificent Pleiades region, they offer a variety of activities focusing on edible, medicinal, and fragrant wild plants, nature art, and natural cosmetics, through field trips, workshops, articles, and more. The main goal of their activities is to reconnect with nature and preserve our natural heritage.

Marie Mellioret et Michaël Berthoud. Cueilleurs Sauvages

Michael's story

Environmentalist - Wild Plant Educator

It all started in 2006, during a scout camp; I must have been around 19 years old. I curiously watched one of the leaders scratching at the ground. It seemed to me he'd lost something. I asked him what. He told me he'd cut himself and was looking for plantain to treat it. That's when he explained that it's a healing plant and that he planned to apply it to his wound as a poultice.

That was the spark! It was from that evening that I began to take an interest in wild plants and their uses.

Interested in environmental issues and convinced of the need to participate in societal change, I decided to pursue a degree in environmental science at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. After a general bachelor's degree, I completed a master's degree specializing in soil science.

Before, during and after my studies, I continue to educate myself on the use of plants.

2016: Creation of Wild Gatherers.
2011-2013: Master's degree in Biogeosciences, Soil and Vegetation option, Universities of Lausanne and Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Master's thesis: "Characterization and mapping of soils of an agricultural plot in Morocco".
2009-2011: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Bachelor's thesis: "Mapping of four invasive plants on the banks of the Venoge.

The story of Marie

Florist designer – Art therapist – Art-nature and natural cosmetics instructor

As a nature lover, I made it my first career. For over 10 years, I worked as a florist designer and floral art teacher in Switzerland, London, Madrid and Tokyo.

After this initial professional training, I trained in art therapy using visual and plastic arts. I practiced in private practice and in institutions for another 10 years. There, I offered various therapeutic methods such as painting, clay, singing, movement, and flowers.

Today, I bring these two professions together in activities that combine nature and well-being by offering moments of creation during art therapy sessions, natural cosmetics workshops and nature-art workshops.

When hands shape, the mind rests and the heart sings. The well-being this brings is such a beautiful resource that I am eager to share it with you.

To escape for a little while, you can discover on my website dedicated to music and my album “Crise'alide” .

2021: Integration into the activities of Wild Gatherers
2012: Diploma in Art Therapy, EATA-Créavie School
2001: Florist's Certificate (CFC)

The Chalet of Stars

The place

Our small chalet, nestled in a natural setting, is located in Les Pléiades in the canton of Vaud at an altitude of 1200m, just 25 minutes from Vevey in Switzerland. It's the perfect place to discover wild plants. We also have a workshop and can accommodate groups of up to 10 people.

What drives us

Encourage sustainable and responsible harvesting of wild plants

Passing on the knowledge and passion for wild plants

Sharing the wonder of nature

Recharge your batteries through nature

Cuisine des plantes sauvages, Cueilleurs Sauvages, Michaël Berthoud

References

We like to work with local partners to promote and raise awareness of our natural heritage.

Since 2019, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with Anne-Sophie Pic, a Michelin-starred chef at the Beau-Rivage Palace, in the context of foraging and consulting.

We collaborate with the Jorat Natural Park since his beginnings, as an animator and nature guide.

Michael wrote articles about the world of wild plants for Mother Nature's Secret Pharmacy, as well as for Plants and well-being.

L''Montheron Abbey trusts us to train the team of cooks and create activities around wild plants.

During the exhibition Flora of Lake Geneva From the Bolle Foundation in Morges, Marie had the opportunity to contribute to the decoration by creating nature art sculptures and Michaël created texts as well as educational elements.