Each autumn, a special tradition takes place in the New Forest that dates back hundreds of years – and it involves some very clever (and very hungry) little piggies.
As the trees drop their acorns, local pigs are released into the forest as part of a practice known as “pannage.” Why? Because while acorns may look harmless, they’re actually poisonous to the New Forest’s free-roaming ponies and cattle. But to pigs? They’re a tasty treat!
By munching their way through the fallen acorns, the pigs help protect the ponies from illness while also getting a natural, seasonal feast. It’s a win-win for everyone – including the forest itself, which benefits from this age-old balancing act between animals and landscape.
This year, the piggies have once again trotted out into the woods, snuffling through the leaves and doing their important job with gusto. So if you’re visiting the New Forest this autumn, keep an eye out (and an ear open) – you might just spot one of these muddy-nosed heroes hard at work.
Just remember: they may be cute, but they’re working – so admire from a distance and let the piggies do what they do best.