Keeping pigs in woodlands
Many people have asked us how practical it would be to keep a few pigs in their woodland so we’ve asked around …
Pigs are native to Eurasia and North Africa and are in their element in their natural habitat of the forest. Pigs were some of the earliest animals to be domesticated by humans, and first tamed around 6000 BC. They’re now more likely to be farmed intensively in barns or fields than left to root around for their food in a forest. However, woodlands provide an ideal environment for pigs, offering a steady supply of food and space to roam. Pigs do their bit for the ecosystem, clearing the undergrowth to allow plants to regenerate whilst foraging for their own food.
Pigs are omnivores, with many living on a varied diet of seeds, roots, acorns, nuts, vegetation, fruit, fungi, insects and small animals such as snakes. These are abundant in wooded areas, and some pig-keepers maintain that a healthy, natural diet of acorns and beechnuts actually enhances the taste of pigs’ meat. Although pigs will forage for their own food on the woodland floor, it’s important to provide water and extra food such as bread, fruit or vegetables. If left to rely on the forest for food, they’re likely to strip tree stems, dig up roots and destroy vegetation.
The damage that pigs can cause to the delicate environment means that they shouldn’t be kept in ancient woodland. Fiona Tooth, whose forest was once home to a family of Gloucester Old Spots, warned me of their potentially destructive habits. She told me that pigs often plough bulbs and bluebells, disturbing the balance of the woodland floor and clearing significant expanses of land. To limit the damage, she recommended rotating the land where pigs are left to roam.
Fiona compared her pigs to children, saying that the young ones were hyperactive and naughty. She told me that you could often tell a pig’s emotions, and that these intelligent, sociable mammals are not happy if kept on their own and should be kept with a litter mate or group.
The bulky, hoofed animals can trample over ground-nesting birds and should be kept away from vulnerable nesting sites during the winter and spring months. In summer and autumn, when young birds have fledged, pigs can be left to rove freely within the forest. It’s important to keep roaming land secure to prevent pigs from escaping. Fences must be strong and well maintained, as pigs are skillful diggers. They are particularly suited to broadleaf woodlands, which feature trees like ash and beech and provide a plentiful supply of food.
Have you used woodland for keeping pigs or other livestock? Share your experiences here.
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5 comments so far
Hallvord R. M. Steen
2 January, 2010
Note that pigs should have access to water and will love somewhere with a bit of wet, muddy soil.
If you want to take children to the wood be aware that pigs are somewhat overwhelming and easily scare the children, even when they intend to be friendly.
Building fences – and moving them later on when the pigs need a new area – makes pig keeping somewhat high maintenance in my view. Fun animals though.
Marcus
6 April, 2010
I run a dozen Old spot Tamworth crosses on 3 – 4 acres this wood land was well over grown and in dire need of maintenance I feed twice daily and the pigs do the rest you’ve never tasted pork like it, as far as fencing is concerned two lines of electric suffice and the old saying goes here and thats you never find a dumb pig they never forget its there
Hope this has been of help
Chloe
28 May, 2010
Hello Rose
Please can I take this opportunity to correct you on this sentence “The bulky, hoofed animals can trample over ground-nesting birds and should be kept away from vulnerable nesting sites during the winter and spring months. In summer and autumn, when young birds have fledged, pigs can be left to rove freely within the forest”.
Birds nest between March and August (primarily) they do not breed in the winter and will certainly be breeding (and have nests) through the summer. It is therefore best to keep the pigs in a woodland over the Autumn/winter period not the summer as you suggest.
Thanks
Chloe
Lewis
28 May, 2010
Interesting comments here about pigs and pannage (acorns etc) in the New Forest – in the autumnal months
http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/pigs
Bea
12 August, 2010
I came across pigs feeding in the New Forest at the roadside near Penn Common in early August. The pannage season is September to November so these were probably ‘privilege sows’ allowed out the whole year round. I suppose on ‘the adjacent commons’ and roadsides – as opposed to the woods – these pose little danger to nesting birds.