Pigs and wild boar are omnivorous. Roots and rhizomes are their favoured food but they will eat leaves, berries, nuts and invertebrates.

Their rooting behaviour can be used as a conservation tool in woodland, especially to reduce bracken cover and to provide niches for tree seedling germination. The impact of their rooting can be unpredictable and uneven across the wood, depending on:

  • the breed of pig
  • stocking density
  • size of the woodland enclosure
  • location of pig shelter, if present

If stocking levels are low, their rooting action can be beneficial, reducing rank vegetation and encouraging seedling germination. At high stocking levels, their impact can result in a complete removal of ground cover vegetation, including tree seedlings and seasonal flora such as bluebell and pignut, and even severe damage to mature trees.

Because of the potential for long-term damage to the woodland structure, the use of pigs in woodland should be undertaken with caution. There needs to be a clear idea of what they are there to achieve and their impact on the woodland must be carefully monitored.

The following provide further information on using pigs in woodland conservation:

In some areas of Scotland, feral pigs can pose a risk to domestic livestock and woodlands. Nature Scot have published best practice guidance for feral pigs and their control.