Pigs are now roaming and grazing across Gunnersbury Park in west London for the first time ever. The park’s management charity has introduced two Kunekune pigs named Salt and Pepper to assist in keeping the grass short and maintaining shrubs. Historically, the site hosted various livestock, including alpacas, cattle, and sheep, around 200 years ago.
David Bowler, chief executive of Gunnersbury Museum and Park Development Trust, commented that conservation grazing is a “highly effective way of managing land,” even though the initial idea of introducing pigs seemed unconventional.
Mr. Bowler mentioned that Salt and Pepper have been residing at the Capel Manor College campus within Gunnersbury Park for the past decade. The charity approached the college with the idea of allowing their Kunekune pigs to graze in the park, specifically to munch on brambles and clear scrub. The college agreed, and according to Mr. Bowler, the trial has been successful thus far.
“It just seemed like a good idea to let those two delightful pigs out and see how they fare,” Mr. Bowler told the BBC. “They’re happily munching on things like brambles and scrub, which wouldn’t necessarily interest sheep grazing on grass in a large field. They seem to be very content pigs.”
He also emphasized that the initiative has raised awareness about alternative methods of park maintenance. “It’s also great because the pigs get some freedom time,” he added.
The pigs are housed in a movable temporary pen that is relocated around the park to allow them to graze different areas safely. They return to their regular pen overnight.
Mr. Bowler highlighted that the charity felt a sense of historical continuity by reintroducing livestock, much like the Rothschild family did some 200 years ago. While acknowledging the practicality of the idea, he emphasized the novelty of using pigs this time around.
He noted that in addition to potential cost savings for park management and maintenance, the introduction of pigs could offer a more engaging experience for children visiting the park.
“If this initiative proves successful, we could consider adding more animals in the future,” Mr. Bowler mentioned. “It’s all part of our goal to become the most sustainably managed park in London.”