Pannage

Pannage is the practice of releasing livestock-pigs in a forest, so that they can feed on fallen acorns, beechmast, chestnuts or other nuts.

Historically, it was a right or privilege granted to local people on common land or in royal forests across much of Europe.

Especially in the eastern shires of England, pannage was so prominent a value in the economic importance of woodland that it was often employed, as in Domesday Book (1086), as a measurement.

[2] Pannage is no longer carried out in most areas, but is still observed in the New Forest of Southern England, where it is also known as common of mast.

The minimum duration of the New Forest pannage season is 60 days,[3] but the start date varies according to the weather – and when the acorns fall.