Game offers some of the most intense, delicate, rich and varied meat around. And not only is it delicious, it can also be a healthy and more nutritious alterative to traditional red meats. Here, Tim Maddams gives an accessible guide to obtaining, assessing, preparing and cooking game, including pheasant, grouse, venison, partridge, hare, rabbit, boar and duck.

Tim begins by describing the characteristics of game species, then discusses ethical and sustainable hunting, preservation and seasonality. Next he gives a step-by-step guide to skinning, feathering and butchering techniques (and if you don't have a fresh supply, how to buy game meat). Lastly he shares his seriously tasty recipes from the River Cottage kitchen, such as Slow-roast spiced soy duck, Quick-smoked duck, Lasagne of game and wild mushrooms, Partridge with pumpkin and cider, Goose sausages, Gamekeeper's pie and Roasted hen pheasant with all the trimmings.

With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and colour photography throughout, Game is the indispensable guide to enjoying wild meat.

Tim Maddams, formerly Head Chef at the River Cottage Canteen, grew up in Wiltshire. He cooked in professional kitchens with Fergus Henderson, Alistair Little, Marco Pierre White and Mark Hix before returning to south-west England to work with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. A key spokesperson in the arena of responsibly sourced produce, in 2012 he founded his own company Green Sauce, teaching, cooking and consulting on ethical food.

rivercottage.net / @TimGreenSauce