Day 317/20. An extended pannage season this year.

We are lucky enough to live close to the New Forest (around 20 minutes away). Today on a very sunny walk we came across a number of pigs let loose to free roam during pannage. (See extra pictures for more piggies).
Pannage is the practice of releasing livestock-pigs in a forest, so that they can feed on fallen acorns, beechmast, chestnuts or other nuts. Historically, it was a right or privilege granted to local people on common land or in royal forests.
We came across a large family (mum + 7 piglets) plus a pig taking a break from gorging on acorns to enjoy an afternoon  snooze in the sun.
Oh, and we had a very lovely walk.