Low in fat, low in food kilometres and completely free range, the grey squirrel is, to some UK diners, about as ethical a dish as it is possible to serve on a dinner plate.

At Ridley’s Fish and Game shop in Corbridge, Northumberland, owner David Ridley said he has sold 1000 – at 3.50 ($8.89) a squirrel – since the beginning of the year.

"I wasn’t sure at first, and wondered would people really eat it. Now I take every squirrel I can get my hands on. I’ve had days when I have managed to get 60 and they’ve all sold straight away."

Some say squirrel tastes like wild boar. Others think it is more a cross between duck and lamb.

Amy says squirrel tastes like chicken — if you add ketchup.