The ever versatile native breed pig can also help your land

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price looks at how native pig breeds can act as 'ecosystem engineers' on a farm or holding without becoming 'architects of destruction'

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Pigs are often known for their tendency to destroy or damage small enclosures. However, the UK's native pig breeds can be highly beneficial in conservation grazing and regenerative systems due to their natural behaviours and ecological impacts. Utilizing native breed pigs for conservation grazing can help restore or maintain ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and help manage landscapes in ways that support the breed, the environment, and food production.

At the right density and in the right place, native pig breeds offer ample opportunities for conservation, regeneration and production. There are 11 pig breeds native to the UK, all of which are rare. Seven are categorised as 'Priority' breeds on the latest RBST Watchlist (the Berkshire, British Landrace, British Lop, Large Black, Large White, Middle White and Tamworth breeds) while the other four (the British Saddleback, Gloucestershire Old Spots, Oxford Sandy & Black and Welsh breeds) are categorised as 'At Risk'. [photo 2] There is a growing understanding of how native pigs can be managed to deliver ecological benefits, which can help support a more stable future for these irreplaceable breeds.

The native pig breeds have been developed, in some cases over centuries, for UK environments and conditions. By harnessing their natural exploring, feeding and foraging behaviours, their keepers can see a range of ecological benefits on holdings of all sizes.