Pigs in the Forest
Have you ever been out on a walk with your family when you come across a drift of pigs snuffling their way along the trail?
Pigs wandering free during pannage
Pannage
Each year domestic pigs are released into the New Forest by their commoner owners in order to clear up the acorns, chestnuts and beach mast. Fine for pigs, these seeds can be poisonous in quantity for the ponies and cattle roaming the New Forest. The season usually starts in early September and can be extended when there is an abundance of acorns like there is this year.
- Monday 15th September 2025 to Friday 28th November 2025 (extended to the 4th January 2026)
It’s quite a special moment spotting a group of pigs sifting through the undergrowth. Often they can be spotted from the car as you pass through Brook. Coming across them on a walk is extra special.
We're going on a pig hunt, were going to find a big one, were not scared…
We have happened across these lovable rogues on a few occasions and often, when the kids were younger, made it a theme to go on a ‘pig hunt’. I try to find out when pannage is each year but I don’t think we have gone a year without seeing a pig in the Forest since we first learnt about the tradition many years ago. Recently our sightings have been through car windows en route to some New Forest car park. We have stumbled upon them on common trails, in the middle of the woods and in villages before. On one occasion, we were caught unaware by a group of young pigs trampling through our picnic spot.
I had laid down a tarp under a tree where my daughter kicked off her wellies and we settled for a modest picnic on a beautiful autumn day. We didn't get much warning as they approached from behind. Our chosen spot was evidently under a beach tree and our tarp was covering the mast. We were ambushed by twelve boisterous hogs. I scooped up (2 year old) Poppy as we watched slightly in awe and a little concerned for Poppy’s wellies as they shuffled and scrounged. They moved on without causing any harm to us and we enjoyed the rest of our day buzzing after the encounter.
If you’re ever walking or driving through the New Forest in the Autumn, keep your eyes peeled you may be lucky enough to witness this incredible tradition.
Find out when pannage is this year on the New Forest Website
Share your stories about pannage in the comments below.
