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Big demand for squirrel meat
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| On the menu: grey squirrel |
A BUTCHER is struggling to keep up with demand for squirrel meat as shoppers see it as an ethical choice.
David Ridley, who runs Ridley's Fish and Game shop in Corbridge, Northumberland, said he has sold 1,000 grey squirrels at £3.50 each since he first started selling the meat at the beginning of this year.
He said: "I wasn't sure at first and wondered how many people would really eat it. Now I take every squirrel I can get my hands on.
"I've had days when I've managed to get 60 of them and they sell straight away.
"Squirrel meat is moist and sweet because it's diet has been berries and nuts."
The meat, which is said to taste like a cross between lamb and duck, is also low in fat.
It is also low in food miles and completely free range, making it an ideal choice for ethical shoppers.
Mr Ridley added: "Another reason people buy the grey squirrels is because the red squirrel is endangered.
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| Under threat: A red squirrrel pictured in Kielder Forest last month |
"Eat a grey and save a red, that is the message."
The grey squirrel, introduced into this country from North America, in 1870, currently outnumber the native red squirrels by 66 to one.
The reds - weaker than the greys, which also carry the squirrelpox virus - are confined to Scotland, Cumbria, Northumberland, the ISle of Wight and islands in Poole Harbour.
10:48am Monday 12th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: debbie, tyne and wear on 1:02pm Mon 12 May 08
i think it is cruel wot that bucher is selling squirrel they have a right to roam our country side so y does he just not leave them alone its disgiting
i think it is cruel wot that bucher is selling squirrel they have a right to roam our country side so y does he just not leave them alone its disgiting
Posted by: John, Darlington on 1:34pm Mon 12 May 08
Yes Debbie I see your point he should stick to selling pork and beef and ham and sauasges and stuff where there are no animals involved. HE IS A BUTCHER THEY SELL MEAT, MEAT COMES FROM ANIMALS!!!
Yes Debbie I see your point he should stick to selling pork and beef and ham and sauasges and stuff where there are no animals involved. HE IS A BUTCHER THEY SELL MEAT, MEAT COMES FROM ANIMALS!!!
Posted by: foodie, Darlo on 1:37pm Mon 12 May 08
It's not as cruel as battery chicken farming, is it? If we knew what we were doing in this country, we would all be eating squirrel and rabbit - two abundant sources of food that need to be controlled anyway. Bet it tastes great too.
It's not as cruel as battery chicken farming, is it? If we knew what we were doing in this country, we would all be eating squirrel and rabbit - two abundant sources of food that need to be controlled anyway. Bet it tastes great too.
Posted by: Simon, Richmond on 2:47pm Mon 12 May 08
Interesting comments, particularly when you realise that a grey squirrel is really just a rat with a tail! Imagine, - "what's for dinner tonight, Mum?" "Your favourite - Rat" "AAAgh!"
Interesting comments, particularly when you realise that a grey squirrel is really just a rat with a tail! Imagine, - "what's for dinner tonight, Mum?" "Your favourite - Rat" "AAAgh!"
Posted by: freda, darlington on 4:20pm Mon 12 May 08
these are wild animals and should be left to roam around, they dont harm anybody.leave well alone.your cruel
these are wild animals and should be left to roam around, they dont harm anybody.leave well alone.your cruel
Posted by: Paul, Darlington on 6:21pm Mon 12 May 08
They don't taste as nice as guinea pigs. Or hedgehogs for that matter
They don't taste as nice as guinea pigs. Or hedgehogs for that matter
Posted by: cozytoes, aycliffe on 9:01pm Mon 12 May 08
ANYONE FOR A BARBIE IN STANHOPE PARK THIS WEEKEND WE WILL HAVE TO LAY A FEW TRAPS TO CATCH THE LITTLE BLIGHTERS !!!!!!!!!
ANYONE FOR A BARBIE IN STANHOPE PARK THIS WEEKEND WE WILL HAVE TO LAY A FEW TRAPS TO CATCH THE LITTLE BLIGHTERS !!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Angus, Balloch on 10:36pm Mon 12 May 08
The "unintended consequences" of this is that unscrupulous people will start trapping and snaring all squirrels and won't care whether they're red or grey. The reds might even taste better.
Nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Read the website www.grey-squirrel.or
g.uk
The "unintended consequences" of this is that unscrupulous people will start trapping and snaring all squirrels and won't care whether they're red or grey. The reds might even taste better.
Nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Read the website www.grey-squirrel.or
g.uk
Posted by: zac, darlo on 7:31am Tue 13 May 08
tastes the same as cats. just add plenty of ketchup.
tastes the same as cats. just add plenty of ketchup.
Posted by: Rachel, Durham on 12:40pm Tue 13 May 08
I think its a great idea - after all these squirrels are living free until caught as opposed to pigs etc - so theres no cruelty involved. Also grey squirrels are a invasive alien species and therefore its also protecting british wildlife. there are several programmes in place across the northeast trying to remove all greys from the area by killing them so why not eat them?
I think its a great idea - after all these squirrels are living free until caught as opposed to pigs etc - so theres no cruelty involved. Also grey squirrels are a invasive alien species and therefore its also protecting british wildlife. there are several programmes in place across the northeast trying to remove all greys from the area by killing them so why not eat them?
Posted by: david, darlo on 7:44pm Tue 13 May 08
mmmmmm sounds great, we should have park pie as well as game pie, but use swans squirrels and fox meat. i would love this.
its like the british version of that canadian game. seal clubing, pick an animal that is really common in your country, beat it then eat it!!
mmmmmm sounds great, we should have park pie as well as game pie, but use swans squirrels and fox meat. i would love this.
its like the british version of that canadian game. seal clubing, pick an animal that is really common in your country, beat it then eat it!!
Posted by: Ras, Canada on 6:33pm Thu 19 Jun 08
Just to point out, 'seal clubbing' isn't something Canadians do for sport. It is an Inuit (native arctic tribe) tradition, and the fur is prized much more than the meat. Hunting of seals is strictly governed, with specific maximum kill numbers. Canada is also not the only country where seals are hunted.
As for the people who don't understand the concept of 'invasive species', you need to go back to school. Really.
Oh, and Britain? Please take back your Starlings, Pigeons, House Sparrows, and Mute Swans.
I'm thinking swan pie is an excellent idea.
Just to point out, 'seal clubbing' isn't something Canadians do for sport. It is an Inuit (native arctic tribe) tradition, and the fur is prized much more than the meat. Hunting of seals is strictly governed, with specific maximum kill numbers. Canada is also not the only country where seals are hunted.
As for the people who don't understand the concept of 'invasive species', you need to go back to school. Really.
Oh, and Britain? Please take back your Starlings, Pigeons, House Sparrows, and Mute Swans.
I'm thinking swan pie is an excellent idea.
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