Pannage in the New Forest
Autumn is one of the most interesting times to explore the New Forest. As the leaves begin to change and acorns fall across the woodland floor, pigs can be seen roaming freely through parts of the forest as part of an ancient tradition known as pannage.
For visitors walking around Brockenhurst, Burley and the surrounding New Forest countryside, spotting pigs beneath the oak and beech trees is one of the more unusual wildlife experiences of the year.
What is Pannage?
Pannage is the traditional practice of releasing pigs into the New Forest during autumn to forage for fallen acorns, beech mast and other food found naturally on the forest floor.
The tradition dates back centuries and continues to play an important role in looking after the forest. Acorns can be harmful to New Forest ponies and cattle when eaten in large quantities, while pigs are able to eat them safely. Allowing pigs to forage therefore helps clear some of the fallen acorns while providing the animals with a natural source of food.
The pigs belong to local commoners who have the right to turn them out onto the forest during the pannage season.
When Can You See New Forest Pigs?
Pannage usually takes place during the autumn, although the exact dates can vary from year to year depending on conditions and the amount of acorns that have fallen.
During this period, New Forest pigs can appear in woodland and alongside roads throughout the forest. Areas around Brockenhurst and Burley are particularly good places to explore, with miles of woodland, open heath and quiet walking trails.
Unlike the famous New Forest ponies, the pigs are only turned out for a limited period, making them a particularly special sight for anyone visiting the forest in autumn.
Walking in the New Forest During Pannage
Autumn is a great time for outdoor walks in the New Forest. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and quieter trails make it ideal for exploring on foot.
From Brockenhurst, walks towards Blackwater and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive take you through some of the forest’s most impressive woodland. Around Burley, there are plenty of routes through a mixture of heathland and wooded areas where ponies, cattle and, during pannage, pigs may be encountered.
There is never a guarantee of seeing them, which is part of the fun. They are free to roam across large areas of the forest and can sometimes appear in unexpected places.
Enjoying the Wildlife Safely
Although the pigs may look friendly, they are free-roaming animals and should always be given plenty of space. Visitors should avoid feeding or approaching them, particularly when piglets are present.
Dogs should also be kept under close control around livestock and other wildlife.
The same applies to the New Forest’s ponies, donkeys and cattle. Watching from a sensible distance allows the animals to behave naturally and helps protect the unique character of the forest.
An Autumn Day in the New Forest
Pannage is just one reason autumn is such a good time to visit the New Forest. Colourful woodland, crisp mornings and quieter trails create some fantastic conditions for walking and photography.
A walk around Brockenhurst, Burley, Blackwater or Bolderwood can offer the chance to see everything from pigs and ponies to deer and woodland birds.
And after a few miles exploring the forest, there are plenty of places to stop for a coffee, something sweet or an ice cream before continuing your walk.
Pannage only lasts for a small part of the year, so if you’re visiting the New Forest during autumn, keep an eye out beneath the oak trees — you might just come across one of the forest’s oldest traditions.
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