PIGS will again become a familiar sight in the New Forest this September when the annual pannage season begins. Each year in late summer, up to 600 domestic pigs and piglets, owned by commoners, are released to roam the national park during pannage season. Breeding sows are sometimes allowed to stay on the open Forest after the end of pannage if the deputy surveyor agrees. Throughout the season, Forest visitors have a chance of encountering a variety of breeds including Tamworth, Gloucestershire old spot, and the British and Wessex saddlebacks. A popular sight with visitors, the pigs and especially breeding sows with young piglets are regularly photographed during the season.