New Forest Pannage Season Guide
Every autumn, pigs are released into the New Forest to eat acorns. This is pannage — a 1,000-year-old tradition and a unique sight for van lifers.
What Is Pannage?
Pannage is the practice of releasing domestic pigs into the forest to eat fallen acorns, beechmast, and chestnuts. Acorns are toxic to ponies and cattle in large quantities. The pigs eat them without harm, clearing the forest floor for winter grazing. The right to pannage belongs to New Forest commoners — people with grazing rights on the forest. Around 400-600 pigs are released each autumn.
When Does It Happen?
Pannage season typically runs from September to November. The exact dates are set each year by the Verderers (the ancient court that governs the forest). It depends on the acorn crop — a heavy crop means a longer pannage. The pigs are rounded up in November before the frost sets in. You can see them from the forest roads — they roam freely, accompanied by keepers on quad bikes.
Where to See the Pigs
Pannage pigs are not in a specific location. They roam the open forest. Best areas:
- Beaulieu Road: The heathland near Beaulieu Road Station. Pigs love the oak stands here.
- Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst: The oaks along the A337 and B3055.
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive: The old oaks here attract pigs.
- Burley: The area around Burley Lawn and Brinken Wood. You will usually see them in the late afternoon, near oak trees, rooting in the leaf litter. They are busy eating and largely ignore vehicles.
Van Life during Pannage
- Book parking: Autumn is a busy season in the New Forest (half-term, good walking weather). Book Stay the Night sites in advance.
- Watch the road: Pigs have right of way. They wander onto roads. Drive slowly, especially on the B3055 and B3056.
- Do not feed the pigs: It is illegal and dangerous. Pigs can be aggressive when food is involved.
- Do not park under oaks: You will wake up with acorns hammering on your roof all night.
- Check for closures: Some forest roads close during pannage. The Verderers website has the latest.
The Verderers
The Verderers are the ancient court that manages the New Forest commoning system. They date back to the 13th century. If you see a pig with an ear tag, that tag identifies the commoner who owns it.
Best Autumn Spots
- Black Knowl: Stay the Night site near Brockenhurst. Good for autumn walks to see the pigs.
- Wilverley Plain: Large open area with scattered oaks. Good pig-spotting.
- Setley Plain: Near Brockenhurst. Pigs often seen here.
Is It Worth Planning a Trip?
If you are in the New Forest in autumn anyway, pannage is a unique sight. But it is not worth a special trip. The pigs are great to see but they are just pigs eating acorns. The real attraction is the New Forest itself in autumn — the colours, the light, the misty mornings.
