What if your next meal could be an adventure? A journey into the heart of nature’s larder? That’s the idea behind The Wildbiome Project, a groundbreaking study led by foraging expert and research herbalist Monica ‘Mo’ Wilde.
We are delighted that Napiers has been able to financially support the making of this film, which follows the remarkable journey of individuals living on a diet made entirely from wild food.
The Story of the Wildbiome Project
In 2020, Mo committed to a year-long wild-only diet, foraging every meal from the rich landscapes of Central Scotland. The results were extraordinary: she restored her healthy BMI and deepened her connection to the natural world, while a fellow participant even reversed his type 2 diabetes in just nine weeks. Inspired by this, Mo launched a larger-scale study in 2023 with 24 participants, and again in 2025, expanding the project to track over 100 people across the UK and beyond.
The Wildbiome Project investigates how eating only wild, foraged foods impacts our health. Participants’ physical and mental health were monitored through blood tests, microbiome analysis, and other health markers. Could this ancient way of eating improve resilience against obesity, diabetes, and heart disease? The documentary follows their journey, asking the question: “If you are what you eat, what happens when all you eat is wild?”
Watch the trailer for the documentary below. The full feature-length film is available on Vimeo for $15 (Rental) or $20 (Purchase). Your purchase directly supports the Wildbiome Project, helping to fund vital research into the health benefits of a wild-food diet.
Why Eating Wild Matters
Wild foods are naturally nutrient-dense, rich in polyphenols, trace minerals, and bitter compounds that have been largely lost from the modern diet. These compounds support gut health, metabolic function, immunity, and encourage a diverse and resilient microbiome. Research increasingly links microbiome health to everything from mood regulation to chronic disease prevention.
Beyond health, eating wild reconnects us to nature. Foraging teaches patience, presence, and respect for biodiversity. It is not just about nourishment, but about learning to live in harmony with the land.
About Monica Wilde
Monica ‘Mo’ Wilde is a forager, research herbalist and ethnobotanist based in Central Scotland. She leads the Napiers CLAID Clinic, specialising in Lyme disease and co-infections, with a focus on integrative medicine that works alongside allopathic treatments. Her work has included pioneering research into seaweed and iodine, beneficial concomitant prescribing, and the cosmetic uses of native plants.
A Fellow of the Linnean Society and a founding member of the Association of Foragers, Monica has a lifelong passion for the natural world. Inspired in childhood by meeting a Kikuyu herbalist in Kenya, she has dedicated her life to studying herbal medicine, foraging, and ethnobotany. She is also a guest lecturer at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, teaching about the medicinal uses of seaweeds, fungi, tree saps, and resins.
In addition to leading the Wildbiome Project, Mo is the author of The Wilderness Cure: Ancient Wisdom In a Modern World and her newly published guide Free Food: Wild Plants & How To Eat Them.
Watch the Trailer
Below you can watch the trailer for the documentary. We encourage you to take the time to watch the full film and experience this extraordinary journey into the wild.
“Reconnecting with the natural world through foraging offers more than just food; it's a path to better health and well-being. This project is about rediscovering our roots and understanding how ancient dietary practices can inform modern health.” – Monica Wilde
Watch the full feature-length documentary on Vimeo ($15 rental and $20 purchase) by tapping here.
Join Our Live Webinar with Monica Wilde
As part of the launch of the Wildbiome Project film, we’re delighted to invite you to a live webinar with Monica Wilde on Wednesday 3rd September at 7pm. This special online event will dive deeper into the project, share more results from the study, and explore how foraging for wild foods can support health and wellbeing.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Find Out More
We are proud to have supported this film and encourage you to join in the movement to rediscover the health benefits of wild food. To learn more about Monica and her work, visit her website at www.monicawilde.com or follow her on Instagram at @monicawilde and @wildbiomeproject.
FAQ: Foraging and Health – Insights from the Wildbiome Project
What is the Wildbiome Project?
The Wildbiome Project is a citizen science study led by Monica Wilde that explores the impact of eating a diet made entirely of wild, foraged foods on physical and mental health. Participants followed a wild-only diet for weeks or months while undergoing scientific health monitoring.
What health benefits are associated with eating wild foods?
Participants in the Wildbiome Project reported improved gut health, increased energy, better mood, weight loss, and—in some cases—reversed chronic conditions. Wild foods are rich in polyphenols, minerals, and bitter compounds that support microbiome diversity and metabolic resilience.
Can eating wild food reverse chronic illnesses?
While individual results vary, the Wildbiome Project documented cases of significant health improvements. Watch the film to find out more!
Is foraging safe for health-conscious eaters?
Yes, when done with care and knowledge. Foraging provides access to highly nutritious, seasonal foods. However, it’s essential to identify plants correctly and follow ethical harvesting practices. Monica Wilde offers practical guidance to help you get started safely.
How is the gut microbiome affected by a wild food diet?
The diversity of wild plants can nourish a more resilient microbiome. In the study, participants’ gut health scores improved significantly, but we recommend watching the full film to find out the results in more detail.
Do I need experience to benefit from foraging?
Not at all. Beginners are welcome. The Wildbiome Project and Monica’s work are designed to make foraging approachable, with tips on safe, easy-to-identify plants that you can start incorporating right away.
