Release the pigs! 

One sure sign of autumn is pigs out on the open Forest, and it won’t be long before we start seeing them again. 14 September is the official start of pannage season, which is when commoners practise their right of mast by turning pigs out each autumn for around six weeks. The pigs hoover up fallen acorns which are poisonous to ponies and cattle.

The porkers are a delight to see at this time of year, but as with all New Forest livestock, please keep your distance, and don’t approach or touch them.