Pannage, also known as the "Common of Mast," is a right that allows local commoners to release their pigs into the New Forest during autumn to clear the ground of acorns and other nuts. These nuts, especially green acorns, pose a danger to the New Forest’s free-roaming ponies and cattle, who graze the forest year-round. Unlike the ponies, pigs can safely consume the acorns, making them the perfect natural solution to prevent acorn poisoning, which can cause colic in larger animals.
This year, pannage season runs from 16 September to 22 November 2024, and during this time, up to 600 pigs will roam the forest floors, snuffling through fallen leaves and foraging for food. Historically, these numbers were even more astonishing—back in the 19th century, as many as 6,000 pigs were turned out into the forest.
Pigs are perfectly suited for this task. They’re intelligent foragers, capable of distinguishing harmful acorns from other forest treats like chestnuts and beechmast. They also have a unique skill: spitting out the toxic skins of acorns while feasting on the nutritious inner seed. Their rooting behaviour not only prevents acorn poisoning for other animals but also promotes the health of the forest by loosening the soil, making way for new plant life to flourish.
Pannage is especially important during what's called a mast year, when the forest trees produce a bumper crop of seeds. Oak trees, for instance, can produce up to 10 million acorns in their lifetime, and in mast years, this number surges. The pigs become crucial in such years, sometimes extending their stay in the forest well beyond the usual 60 days.
Modern Pannage continues the ancient tradition but with a few necessary updates. Each pig turned out for pannage is fitted with a nose ring, which prevents them from rooting too deeply into the ground. This keeps them from causing excessive damage to the forest floor while still allowing them to rummage through the leaf litter for acorns and other food sources.
You'll likely spot some heritage pig breeds roaming during the season, including the Tamworth, Gloucestershire Old Spot, British Saddleback, and Wessex Saddleback. Although there's no official "New Forest Pig," these breeds are well-suited to the forest environment.
For those hoping to witness this delightful sight firsthand, Bramshaw village and Bolderwood are excellent places to start. The pigs don’t stick to one spot, but you’ll often find them snuffling through areas rich in oak and beech trees. You can also explore Millyford Bridge, Denny Wood, and Fritham, which are known for being pig-friendly during the season. Keep in mind that pigs have the right of way on forest roads, so patience is key!
While pannage pigs are fascinating to watch, it’s essential to keep your distance. These pigs are semi-wild and can bite if they feel threatened. Be sure to follow the New Forest Code: don’t touch, feed, or pet the animals, and make sure your dogs are under control.
At the end of the pannage season, local butchers often sell pannage pork, a unique product that reflects the pigs' woodland diet. This meat is highly sought after, and prized for its distinctive, rich flavour. If you're interested in sampling it, keep an eye out for pannage pork at The Farmers Butcher in Cadnam or other local farm shops and artisan bakeries, where you might even find pig-shaped biscuits to celebrate the season.
The New Forest is one of the last places in the UK where pannage is still practised. The tradition plays an essential role in both the culture and ecology of the area. By allowing pigs to roam and forage, the forest is kept healthy, and the balance between wildlife and human intervention is maintained. Without pannage, acorn poisoning would be a constant threat to the New Forest ponies and cattle, and the ecosystem could quickly become unbalanced.
However, this practice is not without its challenges. There are increasing concerns about African Swine Fever, a disease that could spread to local pig populations if not properly managed. This makes the need for responsible visitor behaviour even more critical—avoiding feeding the pigs or dropping food is essential to preserving this ancient tradition.
If you’re visiting the New Forest this autumn, the sight of pannage pigs is an unforgettable experience. It’s a window into the region’s rich heritage, where nature and history intertwine to create something truly unique. Whether you’re wandering the ancient woodlands or watching the pigs snuffle beneath golden leaves, you'll be taking part in a tradition that dates back nearly a millennium. Just remember, the forest—and its pigs—are best admired from a respectful distance.
Enjoy your visit, and keep an eye out for those acorn-loving porkers—after all, they’re doing the forest (and the ponies) a great service!
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