14/09/2026
It's that time of year again where pigs are released into the New Forest National Park as part of pannage season. If you are heading out into the forest, keep an eye out for them snuffling on the forest floor!
Last year was a bumper year or 'mast' year for acorns. These typically occur once every seven years, with the following years often producing fewer acorns.
The hot, dry summer may also affect the amount of fruiting from forest trees and plants this year, causing fruit to fall earlier than usual. This means the pigs will be out soon for pannage, an ancient tradition where New Forest commoners turn their pigs out onto the Forest during the autumn.
The pigs play a very important role by eating fallen acorns, which are a tasty treat for them but are poisonous to ponies and cattle. To help them do this important job and stay healthy, please enjoy watching them from a distance and do not feed or pet them. 🐖
This year’s pannage season runs from Monday 14 September to Sunday 29 November.
Find out more https://www.forestryengland.uk/new-forest/pannage-pigs-and-acorns
