An annual ancient practice has started in the New Forest, prompting a warning from officers.

Pannage is the ancient practice of releasing livestock into a forest so they are free to feed on fallen foods such as acorns and chestnuts.

The pannage season this year runs from September 16 to November 22.

Hampshire Constabulary is warning motorists to be mindful of free-roaming animals in the New Forest as a result of the ritual.  

A man in his 40s from Grimsby was issued with a conditional caution and required to pay £300 in compensation after he hit and killed a pig on Stoney Cross Plain Road on September 29 last year.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “As the nights draw in sooner, and with free-roaming animals feeding across the Forest, there is a risk of drivers in particular becoming involved in a collision with an animal.

“It is an offence to fail to report a collision with an animal under Section 170(8) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

“The animals captured within this piece of legislation are horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat and dog.”