Great British Game Week is back, and what better excuse does anyone need to celebrate what we at the Countryside Alliance believe to be the best food in the world – British game.  

Now’s the time to delve into the game larder, fridge or freezer and prepare a delicious game dish for yourself and your friends. Even better if you can introduce game to someone who’s not been lucky enough to have tried it before. We should all know the message by now; game is not only delicious, but also healthy and good for the environment. The more we eat of it, the better.  

In this world where ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are bemoaned in the media, but are ever-present on supermarket shelves, it a great relief that we do have a higher metaphorical road along which to travel. Those who shoot or stalk know that venison, pheasant, grouse, goose, partridge, rabbit, widgeon and woodcock are all lean meats, packed with nutrients and flavour which, contrary to popular beliefs, are super-versatile and not too difficult to cook. 

Game is abundant in this country, however, the average Briton doesn’t have much of a knowledge of that and hasn’t even had a chance to develop a taste for it. The population of deer in Britain is exploding, and not in a good way, yet the population of humans doesn’t want the meat that is a wonderful output of the deer management efforts that go on to keep our woodlands and crops healthy. Alas. 

Meat from pheasant and partridge is likewise an output of the huge efforts that gamekeepers put in to keep our countryside a biodiverse and beautiful place – all those coverts, spinneys and copses that wild birds love, up and down the country, wouldn’t be there without gamekeepers. 

That is why Great British Game week is so important. All those who love game are asked, in my own words, to become game evangelists. Spread the word, game is great, let’s enjoy it. Or, in other words: cook, baby cook! 

If you’re looking for inspiration then have a look at our great selection of recipes, the Thai Pheasant Panang Curry is my personal favourite. And if you need advice on preparing game, then I’d suggest looking on YouTube or asking a friend familiar with game butchery.