Well-known Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones is appealing for grey squirrels, as he wants to use their meat in burgers at a pop-up eatery at Welsh Game Fair at the Faenol Estate.
“Squirrel meat is like any other wild food, eating them is like foraging for anything else,” he said.
“We have to remember they are a pest. On the farm if I have too many rats, crows or whatever, I have to deal with them. What’s the difference with squirrels? Their meat is a by-product so why waste it? It’s a fantastic wild food.
“All I need now is an alternative butcher to supply the grey squirrels and it’ll be ready, steady, cook.”
Jones, who has 705,000 subscribers on YouTube and has presented for the BBC, is the face of food at this year’s Welsh Game Fair on September 9-10. Also on his menu will be an Argentine-style barbecue using Welsh lamb.
“I believe the best way to change things is to eat small and local, food that’s been produced here and game is part of that,” he said.
“It’s important that we know where our food has come from because there is a disconnect between people who live in the cities which is now 84% of the population and those in the country because people in the cities don’t understand how food is produced.
“Everything produced by a farmer has a cost, emotional, physical and mental as well as financial and I get to see every single season and you can’t help but enjoy that and I want to get that over to people at the Welsh Game Fair.”
Grey squirrels for burger meat
“The idea of putting squirrel burgers on the menu is inspired because it means we can find a good use for a real rural pest and tantalise people’s tastebuds at the same time,” echoed James Gower, chief executive of Stable Events which organises the Welsh Game Fair.
“The pop up restaurant will provide a real showcase for the finest fare the countryside has to offer.
“I can’t think of a better mine host than Gareth Wyn Jones, who is passionate about promoting proper local produce – and has great likeability.”
The show, organised in association with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, will cover everything from angling and axemen to conservation, shooting and wildlife, all on Faenol’s magnificent 500ac overlooking the Menai Straits.
“Our aim is to celebrate everything that is best about the countryside and rural pursuits, including the wider benefits of conservation and field sports,” Gower said.
“We’ll have gundogs, clay shooting, archery, fishing, food and falconry – not to mention the amazing shopping at the wide range of stalls.
“Over the two days we have a jam-packed itinerary of displays, demonstrations, have-a-go attractions and exhibitors.”
