Residents and businesses in the New Forest have welcomed the return of pannage season, saying the sight of pigs roaming the landscape has become one of the area's most treasured signs of autumn.
The centuries-old practice began on Monday, September 14, with pigs eating fallen acorns to protect ponies, cattle and other livestock from their potentially harmful effects.
The season is due to run until November 29, but commoners can turn out their pigs at different times depending on local conditions and acorn supplies.
In Beaulieu, traders say visitors travel from far and wide to see the pigs, whose annual arrival has become an autumn highlight.
Fin Shaw, owner of Belle and Blossom Boutique, said pannage was one of the village’s most special times of year.
"It is a special time of the year. They are doing a good job on the acorns as I know they do get the horses ill if they eat too many.
"When they do come up the high street it is wonderful. They do stop traffic. They have a lot of babies amongst them so do not get too close as they are protective.
"It is a lovely time of the year for them to come out. People do come in especially to see that, so they drive through a few Forest areas to catch a glimpse of them. It is a delight to see them.
"It is good what they do. It is sad to see them go back as we know what is going to happen."
The pigs can bring Beaulieu’s high street to a standstill as motorists pull over to watch them forage.
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Hannah Woodward, of Queensmead Village Shop, said: "We do get people looking for the pigs. "They do quite often come up the high street causing chaos and traffic. We do warn people to stay away from the pigs as they are quite protective."
For other owners, the pigs are now as much a symbol of the New Forest as its famous ponies and donkeys.
Steff Fairweather, owner of Steff's Kitchen, said: "As I drive around here, there are always people admiring our animals whether it's the ponies, donkeys or the piggies that do only come out briefly.
"Yes they are super cute. Last year they came into our car park. Pannage was extended last year because of the acorns. People think they are super cute. I do love them."
Vicky Roberts, owner of Beaulieu Fine Arts, said the spectacle was one of the Forest’s defining attractions.
"They don't help the traffic too much. They do tend to be between here and the museum. I don't think it affects our trade too much, people do like to see them. It is one of the great features of the New Forest."
One high street businesses is creating a product in honour of the season.
Trevor Smith, owner of Beaulieu Chocolate Studio, said: "It is good for getting rid of the acorns. We were just looking for some pig moulds to make some chocolate into the shape of a pig. "Coming up with chocolate pigs for the pannage season."
Head chef at the Beaulieu Bakehouse, Cat, said the tradition draws huge interest on social media and visitors to the area.
She said: "You see people on social media always asking where the pigs are and where they can go to see them.
"People love pannage."
Visitors are being urged to keep their distance from the pigs, especially when piglets are nearby, because sows can be protective of their young.
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