This year, Pannage will take Place in the New Forest from Monday, September 16th, until Friday, November 22nd. During the autumn months, it’s common to see pigs roaming the forest floor. Pannage is the practice of releasing domestic pigs into a forest (also known as ‘Common of mast’).It goes all the back to William the Conqueror, who founded the New Forest in 1079.
The pigs are released into the forest to eat fallen acorns, beech mast, chestnuts, and other nuts. Green acorns are poisonous to New Forest ponies and cattle, that roam the forest.
Up to 600 pigs and piglets will wander through the forest eating the acorns and nuts from the forest floor. It is the only time of year that the pigs are allowed to ‘roam’ the open forest, the rest of the time they are kept in their smallholdings by the commoners. In the 19th century, the number of pigs released for pannage was as high as 6,000.
Continued Reflections from my World. 
instead of “RELEASE THE HOUNDS”………….I guess It’s “RELEASE THE swine”?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmm – I had no idea pigs came in so many colors! I hope they all get rounded up again, likely weighing more than when they left home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always wonder how they find them all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, well perhaps after all the forest food is gone they squeal/oink if their masters don’t come to round them up?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Their faces crack me up! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too.
LikeLike
All the pictures are too cute!! What a wonderful and natural practice to clean up the forest. It’s a win win situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But do you know why they have nose piercings?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for delayed reply I think it is to stop them rooting and digging too deep to protect the forest trees.
LikeLike
That’s good for protecting the forest while the pigs still get to freely roam and forage.
I hope you are doing well!
LikeLiked by 1 person