Autumn Colours, Pigs & Pannage in the New Forest

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Oct. 12, 2022 - PRLog -- The New Forest is a genuine four-season destination, and Autumn is arguably one of the best times to visit, with bursts of bright colours appearing, and the unusual sight of pigs wandering around wolfing down the acorns in an ancient practice known as 'Pannage'.  This is the releasing of domestic pigs into the forest (also known as 'Common of mast') and goes all the way back to the time of William the Conqueror, who founded The New Forest in 1079.

Up to 600 pigs are released to eat fallen acorns, beechmast, chestnuts, green acorns, and other nuts, which are poisonous to the New Forest ponies, donkeys and cattle which roam the forest.  The season started in September and finishes on 18 November.  It is the only time of year that the pigs are allowed to 'roam'.

In addition to the pigs, bushes, trees, and other shrubs in the New Forest burst into colours of fiery red and gold, to provide a spectacular backdrop which rivals that of the famous 'Fall' of New England in the north-east of the USA.

There are many good places to walk and witness the autumn colours including the following:

Hightown Common, located near Poulner in the Forest's north, is perfect for experiencing colour on trees, from the brilliant yellow of the birches to the last clumps of purple heather and the delicate tracery of the dying brackens. The walk starts off by passing a clump of gorse bushes, which provide beautiful colour and a distinctive coconut scent!

Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is probably the best-known road in the whole of the forest.  Considered by many as the ultimate autumn colour-burst, the drive was planted in 1860 and offers colour and wonder all year round, as well as the Forest's tallest tree!

It's a good one if you are bringing people with mobility issues, or you can take a slow crawl through on the drive itself, and marvel at the glory through your car windows. Time it right, and you can also proceed on to Blackwater to see the falling leaves twirl and float into the pond there.

Many of the forest's accommodation providers offer good deals to fill beds in the autumn 'shoulder season', and quieter roads, pubs and restaurants make it the perfect time for a short break.

For ideas of places to stay, including holiday parks, B&Bs, cosy cottages and hotels of every type, from comfortable budget options to five-star luxury, and with the lowest prices where you see the 'Book Direct' sign, visit www.thenewforest.co.uk.