Pigs hoover up New Forest acorn glut with new bin rules in place

Hundreds of pigs have been released in the New Forest for the annual pannage season, when they forage for fallen acorns which are poisonous to the free-roaming ponies and cattle.

It is the first season with a new waste collection system in place which includes plastic food containers and wheelie bins.

Already a number of those bins have been targeted by ponies and donkeys and collection rules have been changed for some households to prevent the pigs accessing food waste during pannage.

It means residents will be expected to place their food waste containers behind their properties’ gates and cattle grids on bin day.

A rollout of wheelie bins and food waste caddies began in The New Forest in April.

With a risk of disease spreading from contaminated food some residents have been sent letters asking them to change where they place their caddy on collection day during pannage.

Pigs can eat large amounts of acorns with no ill effect. They also feed on fallen beech mast and chestnuts.

They are owned by New Forest Commoners who occupy land or property with ancient rights and pannage is the only time the pigs are allowed to roam free.

It runs until 28 November but could be extended to tackle an expected heavy acorn crop this year.