It seems to have been a bumper year for acorns, the squirrels are loving them as well as their usual seeds and plant material.
However, in the New Forest, which is in Southern England, UK acorns can be a problem because for ponies and cattle large quantities of them can be poisonous. However, pigs can eat acorns without a problem and this is where, along with grazing, pannage is still an important part of the New Forest's ecology. Pannage always lasts at least 60 days, but the start date varies according to the weather – and when the acorns fall. "For 2020, pannage in the New Forest begins on Monday 14th September and has been extended to 21st December. This is due to a bumper crop of acorns across the forest.
The practice of pannage (also known as ‘Common of mast’) dates all the way back to the time of William the Conqueror, who founded the New Forest in 1079.
Why do we have pannage?
The pigs are released onto the forest to eat the fallen acorns, beech-mast, chestnuts and other nuts that are on the forest floor, which are poisonous to New Forest ponies and cattle! Each year, there are around 600 pigs and piglets that are released around the New Forest to make their way through all of the acorns and nuts.
Did you know that back in the 19th century, the number of pigs released for pannage was as high as 6,000? – That’s a lot of pigs!
There are quite a few different breeds of pigs that you will see on the forest, including Tamworth, Gloucestershire Old Spot, the British Saddleback and the Wessex Saddleback. All pigs must be fitted with a ring in their nose, which enables them to forage through leaf litter and other vegetation on the surface, but stops them from rooting into the ground with their snouts causing damage to the Forest.
Did you know that back in the 19th century, the number of pigs released for pannage was as high as 6,000? – That’s a lot of pigs!
There are quite a few different breeds of pigs that you will see on the forest, including Tamworth, Gloucestershire Old Spot, the British Saddleback and the Wessex Saddleback. All pigs must be fitted with a ring in their nose, which enables them to forage through leaf litter and other vegetation on the surface, but stops them from rooting into the ground with their snouts causing damage to the Forest.
Did you know that the New Forest is one of the only places left in the UK that still practices pannage?
Where can you see the pigs?
It’s difficult to specify specific locations, as they move around so much throughout pannage. However, you can often see them running through the quaint village of Bramshaw or around the popular Bolderwood. Burley is also a good place to see them at times. Most of the time, it’s down to luck if you do get to see them!
For their safety and your own, please do not approach the pigs (or any other animals in the New Forest) and do not try to feed them, they’ll have plenty of yummy food with all the acorns and nuts on the floor. Please also ensure that you keep dogs under control and on a short lead when near the pigs.
As well as looking out for the piggies, there’s lots of other things to do in the New Forest during the autumn months, like enjoying a relaxing stroll through the ancient woodland full of yellow, orange, red colours!" (Covid restrictions allowing)
For their safety and your own, please do not approach the pigs (or any other animals in the New Forest) and do not try to feed them, they’ll have plenty of yummy food with all the acorns and nuts on the floor. Please also ensure that you keep dogs under control and on a short lead when near the pigs.
As well as looking out for the piggies, there’s lots of other things to do in the New Forest during the autumn months, like enjoying a relaxing stroll through the ancient woodland full of yellow, orange, red colours!" (Covid restrictions allowing)
Words above and more here
Have you tried this recipe? Just 8g carbs per serving.
Provencal Pumpkin Tian
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All the best Jan
30 comments:
Very interesting to learn about pannage, the pigs do important work and enjoy it. And your food looks yummy! Have a good and safe weekend, Valerie
very interesting post, I did not know about them and why I have seen rings in their noses, so neat that they still use them in this way in certain areas. It sounds like this area would be fun to visit!
Hello,
What an interesting story, I could use a few of the pigs to eat the acorns off our driveway. The recipe sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Have a happy weekend!
Happy weekend...love Zria 🍀🧡🍄🍁🌽🍂🌻🎃🍀
Beautiful animals ! I really like squirrels !
Happy weekend !
I loved learning about pannage. What a good idea to let the pigs out. Feeds them, saves others. Those are some pretty big pics in that picture!
I'd never heard of pannage until now. Very interesting. I had noticed that a squirrel (or more than one squirrel) has spent time in our garden burying acorns. I found the holes later. And then a Magpie has been around much more, looking for the acorns that the squirrel buried.
...tian is something new to me.
What a fascinating story - and delicious looking dish. Thank you.
I never knew what pannage was, thank you. The Tian looks delicious.
I had never heard of pannage and didnt know acorns could harm horses, thank you for a really interesting post with some great piggy pictures :)
Fascinating! Thanks for an interesting read!
En la zona donde vivo hay ganado porcino, Salamanca y comarca es famosa por sus embutidos.
Buen fin de semana. Cuídate.
Un abrazo.
I learned a new bit of English history today here. So interesting. And I have a pumpkin that needs attention...
Very interesting !
Very interesting about the pigs, never knew that before!!
I had no idea. This is a very interesting post with some great knowledge.
I had never heard of pannage, it sounds lovely and the recipe looks delicious!
I didn't know about pannage, and it is a really interesting custom. And smart too. Thanks for sharing. And pumpkin flan-now that sounds really good. Happy new month!
lol I did not know what pannage was, but now I do :) Yes, many animals loves acorn. :)
Interesting, I never knew!
Interesting post about the practice of pannage ... I didn't know the pigs may damage the forest's ground.
I will try the provencal pumpkin recipi.
Have a nice Sunday
I didn't know anything about pannage, what a great way to feed the pigs and avoid harm coming to other animals from the acorns.
Interesting about the pigs - it's like when they bring goats to an area to graze and then move them to different areas.
Very interesting and good to know someplace still does things that works for the ecology.
I loved seeing the pigs in Bolderwood last time we visited. I think the New Forest is such a magical place. I did enjoy this.xxx
So interesting! First time I hear about pannage.
Esa practica o algo parecido se hacía antes por aquí, los cerdos se quedaban unos meses en las dehesas hasta que se terminaban las bellotas y se llama " montanera " Besos.
I always learn something when I come here but I didn't think I'd ever be learning about pigs! How interesting! And fun to see them in your beautiful England.
I don't recall ever hearing of pannage. Learned a lot here today. :)
~Jess
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