Pannage season begins in New Forest
We'll see pigs roaming the National Park for the next two months
There's an obvious sign that Autumn has arrived in the New Forest from this week - the pannage season is back!
Up to 600 pigs are being released (from 11th September) to roam the National Park, through until November 17th.
It's the only time of the year that pigs are allowed out in the area, normally being kept in smallholdings.
The animals will eat up all the fallen acorns and tree nuts from the forest floor that would otherwise be poisonous to the cattle and ponies there.
Pigs enjoy eating them before spitting out the toxic part, that can cause colic for other animals.
We're warned to watch out for pigs in the New Forest over the next couple of months, in addition to other livestock.
The National Park Authority also asks visitors to avoid touching or approaching the animals while they're feeding.
There's also an added benefit of pannage - the ham produced from the pigs is a delicacy, bringing a nuttier flavour to the meat.