• Every year, several hundred pigs, or even as many as several hundred, are released in the New Forest. The animals are meant to help remove excess acorns from the forest.
  • Acorns can be harmful to horses and cattle. Pigs tolerate them well and readily eat them.
  • The tradition is hundreds of years old. In the past, as many as several thousand pigs were driven into the New Forest in a single season.

Pigs released into the forest

One of Europe’s most unusual grazing seasons has begun in southern England. Hundreds of pigs have been released into the forests of New Forest, where for several weeks they will roam freely and eat whatever falls from the trees. This practice is called “pannage”, also known as “Common of Mast”. The pigs mainly feed on acorns, but also readily eat chestnuts and beech mast.

Why are acorns a problem?

However, the main aim is not simply to feed the pigs. Acorns contain large amounts of tannins. When consumed in large quantities, they can pose a risk to some animals, including horses and cattle. Famous ponies, as well as cattle and wild animals, roam freely in New Forest. An excess of acorns can therefore pose a real risk of poisoning. Pigs cope with them much better. For pigs, acorns are not a threat but a valuable, high-energy food.

Pigs protect horses and cattle

In practice, pigs therefore act as natural “cleaners” of the forest. By eating acorns, they reduce the amount of potentially dangerous food available to other animals. This reduces the risk that ponies, cows, or wild animals will consume too many acorns. This is an example of a traditional farming practice that also serves a protective function throughout the ecosystem.

The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages

Pannage in the New Forest has a very long history. The tradition dates back to the time of William the Conqueror and medieval rights to use forest land. As recently as the nineteenth century, as many as 6 thousand pigs were driven into the New Forest, which covers an area of about 570 square kilometres. Today, the scale is much smaller. In a single season, usually around 200 to 600 pigs appear in the park.

Every pig is registered

The animals belong to residents who hold special grazing rights. Each pig is registered, and its stay in the forest follows the rules in force in the New Forest. The animals are also fitted with special rings on their snouts to limit intensive rooting and prevent excessive damage to the forest floor and soil. The pigs can move freely around the forest for several weeks.

The season lasts until the end of November

The length of the season depends on how abundant the acorn crop is in a given year. The dates are decided by the New Forest management authority, known as the Court of Verderers. In 2026, the season began on 14 September and is expected to last until 29 November. However, if there are exceptionally many acorns, the grazing period may be extended.

The old method still works

Although many problems in agriculture and animal protection are solved today using modern technologies, a method known for hundreds of years remains effective in the New Forest. Pigs get natural food, the forest is cleared of excess acorns, and horses and cattle are less exposed to poisoning. This is one of those cases in which traditional grazing has not only survived but still serves an important and very practical purpose.

Source: Agrarheute