Mikael HardyPassion, sharing and simple pleasures

Mikael Hardy

The philosophy of Mikael, nature guide for 25 years

Mikael, 45, has been a nature guide for 25 years. He loves nature and all it has to offer. He describes his job in 3 words: passion, sharing and a taste for the finer things in life.

To meet

Mikael

Mikael, 45, has been a nature guide for 25 years. He loves nature and all it has to offer.

He describes his work in 3 words: passion, sharing and a taste for the finer things in life.

For the past year, he has been living in the heart of his green, peaceful setting, where nature reigns supreme. As a child, he used to go fishing with his Breton grandparents in Jullouville and Saint-Jean-le-Thomas.

Mikael began his career in Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal as a lifeguard in the havre de la Vanlée. It was there that he developed an all-consuming passion for the flora and fauna and seaside activities, such as fishing.

His desire to learn led him to join the CPAG (Comité des Pêcheurs Amateurs de Granville), to look into traditional practices.

It was with this committee that he acquired a wealth of knowledge and skills in these techniques (setting longlines, shore fishing techniques, etc….).

Passion and transmission

Today, back to his roots, he is keen to share his passion and preserve this heritage and our resources by passing on his know-how.

From “lone wolf”, as he describes himself, having grown up free in the fields, rivers and woods, to Nature Guide, Mikael has had a rich career.

A farmer, landscaper, permaculturist, seed grower, trained in ecology and naturopathy, passionate about botany and a scholar in his field, he wears many hats.

His many activities are all interlinked, and as a true gourmand of Life, it’s Nature that nourishes him in every sense of the word. He observes, immerses himself in it and is determined to pass on his passion.

Two themed outings

So it was only natural that he developed two themed outings.

Clam digging on foot, with your finger on the pulse

Walks to discover wild, edible and everyday plants.

A calendar is available with dates and locations chosen to take full advantage of the richness of the sector and the wide range of the geographical area.

These outings are designed and organised for groups of around 10 people.

Mikael takes the time to welcome the group for a short theoretical, safety and regulatory section. This is followed by the heart of the activity, guided tours, and finally, a final time for discussion and practical advice on harvesting.

These outings are aimed at everyone. They are educational, practical and useful in everyday life. They also highlight the risks and dangers associated with these activities. In addition to these two current initiatives, a number of future projects are in the pipeline.

These include cooking workshops to learn how to use the various wild and local plants encountered on walks around the Granville Terre et Mer area. Daybreak outings to offer a different perspective on the natural world around us, and basket-making workshops are also being considered.

Her favourite plant

This enthusiast knows how to appreciate everything around him, but has a soft spot for a singular plant: wood thistle. It looks like a nettle, and flowers in spring.

He likes it for its surprisingly porcini-like flavour, which makes it an excellent alternative to mushrooms out of season, especially in an omelette.

” Tested live, it’s an incredible discovery,” says Élodie.

Many other culinary tips are generously shared during these outings.

Her favourite places

When Mikael wants to recharge his batteries, it’s only natural that he escapes to the haven of La Vanlée, or to the heart of the Tourbière de Saint-Michel-des-Loups.

A very peaceful, isolated and mysterious place for me‘.

Portrait by Élodie, ambassador for Granville Terre et Mer.

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