Pigs in Holland Park

The enclosures know as the Oak enclosure (1ha) and Arboretum (0.5ha) are in need of urgent attention if the woodland meadow area is to be restored. This is specified as an objective in the Holland Park Woodland Management Plan: to restore and maintain meadow and grassland habitats in the Wildlife enclosure, Arboretum and Oak enclosure.

It has been decided that the best way to manage the enclosures is to use pigs. This is the most sustainable approach and is seen to be an innovative and progressive approach to woodland management within London. This approach will have a minimal impact on the park's biodiversity.

It has been found that pigs can be used in various woodland management situations to help with the overall management of the woodland. The pigs provide an excellent natural clearing source, and can be used to manage the removal of bracken, bramble and nettles. Pigs reduce the need for chemicals and mechanical interference on scarification sites. They can also help in the removal of invasive exotic weeds. Pigs can easily be used to clear the ‘brash’ and undergrowth of woodland to help the regeneration of saplings, woodland pasture and small herbaceous plants.

2011 Update

Pig Pen within Holland Park

Initially the project ran in the Arboretum and is now being extended into the Oak enclosure.

(Click on the image to enlarge the map)

The pig enclosure is fenced using electrified “pig fencing” which is set back from the existing chestnut fencing.  This double fencing prevents the pigs from escaping into the larger woodland enclosure and also prevents interference from park users.

The woodland area has been registered with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).  RPA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). RPA is a major delivery body for Defra, and has developed the Rural Land Register (RLR) which holds digital maps of all registered land parcels.

Meadow re-establishment

The aim of this project is to restore the wildflower meadow in this enclosure. This was necessary, as the area has become encroached with bramble and nettles.  The enclosure will be seeded in autumn with a grass/ wildflower mix. The success of this project will be monitored and if it considered a success it may be repeated in other areas of the park.

The pigs did not eat the much loved daffodil and bluebell bulbs. While they may have turned over the bulbs in certain areas, which is likely to reduce this year’s flowers, in the long term the bulbs will benefit from the disturbance and being “chipped”. This will mean that they are likely to flower more vigorously in following seasons.

Wildflower meadows are a valued part of our countryside and are one of our fastest disappearing habitats: over 95 per cent have been lost. As a result, many of our native wildflowers are in decline and some have almost disappeared. Wildflower meadows support birds and small mammals; they are also home to many invertebrates, including butterflies, grasshoppers and bees.

About the pigs

The pigs we are using are British Saddlebacks. The breed was recognised in 1967 when the Wessex Saddleback and the Essex breeds were amalgamated. Both breeds date back to 1918.  British Saddlebacks are hardy and noted for their mothering capability. The breed is known for their grazing ability and hardiness.

The pigs are effective foragers - using their highly sensitive snouts to turn the ground over so they can find a wide variety of foods such as roots, mushrooms, grasses, and earthworms. They will turn over the bulbs in the area which is likely to reduce this year’s flowers. However, in the long term the bulbs will benefit from the disturbance and being “chipped”. This will mean that they are likely to flower more vigorously in following seasons.

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