This weekends stroll about Kingston Lacy introduced us to their Bracken management team!
I know very little about Pigs truth be told. But living near the New Forest, my basic knowledge of Pannage is enough to realise the reason these beauties are in use ! I learnt some interesting information whilst reading up on it too.
Pannage involves releasing numbers of pigs into woodland areas in order that they feed on fallen acorns , chestnuts or other nuts. Historically , releasing their pigs was privilege granted to local people whilst providing a service. Excessive amounts of these nuts on the woodland floor can be poisonous to grazing ponies and cattle.
Pigs are also used in conservation to reduce the bracken growth, whilst also causing soil disturbance, which promotes natural regeneration of the woodland floor whilst fertilizing the ground at the same time!
The main target for the pigs within woodlands are Brambles, Nettles ,Bracken and in some areas, Rhododendron.
Pigs can provide an environmentally friendly solution to vegetation clearance, compared to machinery, being far less labour intensive and minimising damage to the surrounding area including pollution from heavy machinery.
To stop Pigs causing damage to the woodland floor through rooting, rings are placed through their noses and removed once Pannage has been completed.
Tamworths , Gloucester Old Spot and British Saddlebacks are the most commonly used as they are known for being hardy , good foragers and have some resistance to sunburn.
Have a great week!
XxP&TxX
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