A unique way of pig production

Michael Wale reports on how New Forest Smallholders could benefit from a Government ruling

- Michael Wale

Smallholders based on the New Forest are hoping that official recognition of Pannage pork, the result of pigs kept for 60 days on the Forest every autumn, will result in a better return for the pork produced.

The annual procedure dates back to William the Conqueror. But in February 2023 the Government's Geographical Indication placed Pannage pork, as it is known, on a level with other protected agricultural products such as Melton Mowbray pork pies, and Welsh leeks..

The New Forest with its 1,000 acres of grazing, and protected peacefulness has been particularly attractive to would be smallholders over the years. Those who own land on the Forest are known as Commoners and have the right to let their pigs out for sixty days from mid-September to harvest the acorns, which prove poisonous to horses and cattle, and as a bonus there are beech nuts to augment this diet.

FASCINATION FOR THE FOREST

Most smallholders have done another job before they arrive here. Such a person is Nigel Forsyth, who first earned his living in London running his own company that was involved in the world of branding setups. He sold his first company and set up another, and sold that one as well, amassing enough finance to do what he really wanted to do- live a more environmental and country surrounded life.

He had started with a weekend cottage when he was still based all week working in London. But then he got "something to play with. "Ten acres, and he was interested in bee keeping, learned how to keep them and kept two hives. The Forest fascinated him so he became a Forest Ranger to learn how it worked. As he admits "Helping the people who could do it It got me interested in the skills used in the Forest".

He confesses: "I didn't set out to be a smallholder. I got tempted into it".