Hundreds of pigs set to be turned out on the New Forest as pannage season gets under way

HUNDREDS of pigs are ready to be turned out to roam the New Forest for the annual pannage season.

Every autumn the domestic pigs and piglets, owned by commoners, are given free rein to eat acorns as well as chestnuts and beechmast, which are poisonous to other grazing livestock.

Pannage, which has been a tradition since the time of William the Conqueror, usually runs for around 60 days.

Commoners pay a fee for each pig, which must all be marked with an ear-tag and have a ring put through their noses to limit ground damage by rooting.

The start of the season varies according to the weather and when the acorns fall, with exact dates set by Forestry England and the verderers.

A spokesperson for the verderers confirmed to the A&T pannage will start on Monday 16th September and run until Friday 22nd November.

The animals are often seen in Bramshaw, Burley and Bolderwood, but can roam many miles from their homes.

While the sight is a big draw for visitors, the public are reminded to keep clear, not feed them and keep dogs on a short lead when nearby.

A spokesperson for the New Forest National Park Authority said: “Keep your distance from the pigs – don’t touch or feed them – and drive slowly through the Forest as they often wander onto roads.

“Autumn rain or fog, low sun and fading daylight can also hinder visibility, so please drive to the conditions at the time.”