Warm a little oil in a shallow pan over a medium heat and add the roughly chopped bacon. Cook for around 10min, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and it is just starting to brown.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until starting to soften, around 5min, stirring occasionally.
Add the rutabaga/swede and cook another 5min, stirring to allow all of the vegetables to soften and be coated in the bacon fat.
Next add the chopped parsley, sage, thyme and a little salt and pepper, cook for another 5min and remove from the heat.
Finally, add the breadcrumbs, dates, egg and maple syrup, stir well so everything is mixed through then transfer to a medium oven dish (approx 8x6in/20x15cm) and pack down gently.
Roast in the oven around 40min until nicely browned on the top.