Porkers get more pannage time in the New Forest to make pigs of themselves

PORKERS have been given even longer to make pigs of themselves in the New Forest after the pannage season was extended.

The animals now have until 9th December to roam around gobbling up the acorns after the verderers agreed extra time due to a bumper crop.

They do a valuable job of eating the acorns which are poisonous to ponies and cattle. They also consume fallen beechmast, chestnuts and other nuts.

Pannage pork is highly prized as the nutty diet is said to give the meat a unique flavour.

The Commoners' Defence Association urged people to continue to take care around the pigs and for drivers to watch their speed.

As reported in the A&T, a young pig, not yet weened, was killed in a road crash in the New Forest early in October, on the B3058 Holmsley Road near Brownhills, Bashley.

The CDA said in a statement: "This year's pannage has been extended to 9th December due to the large fall of acorns.

"Remember to keep your distance from all animals in the New Forest, pass wide and slow on the roads, and don't feed them!"

Hundreds of pigs have been out at various locations around the Forest since 19th September when pannage kicked off. It had been due to end on 18th November.

A popular sight with visitors, the pigs and sows with young piglets are regularly photographed during the autumn months.