How pigs are munching on acorns to help protect ponies and cattle

Hundreds of pigs are roaming the New Forest, an area of southern England, as part of an ancient tradition that has been around for centuries.

Thousands of ponies and cattle roam wild in this area, but green acorns that fall at this time of year are poisonous for them to eat.

That's where the pigs come in.

Green acorns are a tasty treat for them, and every year hundreds are released and they gobble them up in a tradition called pannage or 'common of mast' - and it's happening right now.

What is pannage season?

Ponies and cattle roam free in the New Forest, but green acorns that fall from trees at this time of year are poisonous to them.

Pigs, on the other hand, can eat large amounts of acorns without getting ill.

It's the only time of year pigs are allowed to roam free here.

The pigs belong to local landowners - known as commoners - who pay a fee for their pig to graze on the Forest.

Back in the 19th century, it's thought as many as 6,000 pigs would be allowed out. These days it's closer to 200-600 pigs.

People are asked to let the pigs do their thing and not touch or feed them while they're roaming.

When is pannage season?

Green acorns are a great meal for pigs and vital food for birds and squirrels

Pannage season usually takes place for around 60 days during autumn or winter.

It all depends on when the acorns fall, and the exact dates are set out by Verderers (forestry officials) and Forestry England.

It can start any time towards the end of September and go on until the end of December.

If it is a 'mast' year, the amount of time the pigs can roam might be extended.

A mast year is when some tree species produce lots of seeds.

In 2025 pannage season started on September 15 and will run until November 28 unless an extension is agreed.

New Forest ponies

Around 5,000 ponies roam free in the New Forest.

They're owned by local people known as New Forest Commoners and are a native breed to the area.

Commoners here have historic rights to graze their livestock, including cattle and donkeys, on the open forest.

The tradition is around 900 years old, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror.