Why Do New Forest Pigs Run Wild in Autumn?
Pannage Season in the New Forest
Find out why hundreds of little piggies are granted the freedom of the forest in the leafy hollows of Hampshire…
Snuffling through the knots and tangles of one of Britain’s most enchanting woodlands – seeking out landed acorns, chestnuts, beechmast and other fallen fruits from Mother Nature’s larder – an army of trotters is on the march.
The reason for this widespread forage lies in a medieval tradition, one that is referred to in the Doomsday book and allows livestock pigs to break from their styes and roam freely through the forests of the Albion. Traditionally, it was granted at the discretion of the lords of the manors in the hope that the roving hogs would help turn and breakdown the soils to encourage new growth, while also sweetening and ripening their bellies ready for slaughter. It was often the case that a prize hog was presented to the accommodating landowner in appreciation of their goodwill and preservation of this historic common right.
This ancient agreement – also known as the common right of mast – remains intact in the New Forest, primarily to sweeten the meat of free-roaming hogs, but also to clear the forest floor of acorns which can be poisonous to cattle and ponies if gobbled up in large quantities, the pigs spitting out the husks and shells as they grind and munch. Their relentless appetite also plays a vital role in the forest’s biodiversity and ecology.
As many as 600 pigs and piglets will chomp their way through the leafy glades, enjoying the freedom of the forest and 60 days of feeding, a spectacle enjoyed by hundreds of Autumn walkers and ramblers. Today’s numbers are minute compared to centuries gone by, with as many as 6,000 unpenned hogs snuffling beneath the sun-dappled boughs during the 19th Century.
The dates for pannage are decided by the verderers of the New Forest, the judicial officers whose role it is to protect, conserve and safeguard the lands using powers that date back to 1877 and an historic act of parliament.
A word of caution for walkers…
Pigs are generally considered very docile, but mothers can be protective over their piglets, particularly if dogs are close by. The best advice is to walk away from their foraging space and give them a wide berth while enjoying watching them from a respectful distance.
The New Forest remains one of the UK’s most enchanting woodland enclaves. Full of tracks and trails and home to all sorts of captivating wildlife, it’s no wonder so many of our guests choose to return here year-on-year. Find out why so many of our guests are going nuts about our New Forest holiday cottages.