Four years ago, Simon and Louisa Gaskell set up a wild boar farm in 20 acres of Cotswold woodland, and founded The Real Boar Company. The animals live very much as nature intended – roaming free, rootling and foraging for their food. Simon asserts that they keep him very much on his toes, with their temperamental nature, explosive speed and sharp tusks – and are said to have caused him ‘many a scar!’
As well as selling wild boar meat, they trade an impressive range of award-winning salamis and chorizo, beautifully boxed and ideal as presents, with a 6-month shelf life. Simon particularly recommends this year’s Cotswold Game Salami, consisting of wild boar, venison and pheasant with a slug of port, (from £5.50). All produce is sold at Harvey Nichols, House of Bruar, numerous delicatessens nationwide, as listed on the webpage, and also available to order online. (www.therealboar.co.uk)
