1877

I spotted this old piece of graffiti on a Beech near the Knightwood Oak; I love finding old graffiti, even more so when it's connected, or maybe connected, to historical events. 1877 is the year of the 'New Forest Act' which restricted the creation of any further large forestry enclosures in order to protect the Commoner's grazing land, it also recognised the open woodland as 'ancient' and re-establish the Verderer's Court which had previously been dissolved. There's something carved above the date, though whether it's letters and/or a symbol are uncertain due to distortions in the bark. I have to wonder if this double underlined date is in recognition of the Commoner's victory?

Pannge

Pannage is well under way throughout the forest as the commoners pigs enjoy this years bumper crop of acorns. There was a sweet little group out near Knightwood Oak, about 10 or so piglets, in a variety of lovely colours, and with a very laid back mother. A mother who although keeping an eye on them, and you, was cool with you getting close to her little darlings. As for the piglets themselves, they weren't really bothered, too many tasty treats to be snuffled. I saw a group out last week, the piglets were a bit older and very skittish, the mother was protective and aggressive too. So much so that I stayed behind a fallen bough, and in the end decided I wasn't going to be able to get a photo and left them in peace.  It's best not to be too complacent around the forest beasties.  Fair enough really, being a human, I don't think we have a great reputation amongst the natural world.