Why Tamworths?
- Natural Foragers: Tamworth pigs are natural foragers with a strong instinct for rooting. In their quest for food, they use their strong snouts to dig into the soil, aerating it in the process. This behaviour helps remove debris, underbrush, and invasive plant species, creating space for new vegetation to grow.
- Selective Clearing: What sets Tamworth pigs apart is their ability to distinguish between plants and consume them selectively. While they clear the ground of unwanted vegetation, they avoid harming the young saplings and beneficial plants. This selective approach promotes biodiversity and ensures a balanced ecosystem.
- Seed Dispersal: As Tamworth pigs move through woodland, they inadvertently scatter seeds through their faeces. This “natural seed dispersal” mechanism allows for the propagation of a diverse range of plant species, enhancing the ecological richness of the area.
- Soil Enhancement: By rooting and digging, Tamworth pigs facilitate the breakdown of organic matter, which enriches the soil with nutrients. Their activities increase microbial activity, leading to better soil structure and fertility, further aiding in the growth of new vegetation.
- Minimising Human Intervention: Using Tamworth pigs for woodland grazing minimises the need for heavy machinery and chemicals for land clearing. This approach promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method of rewilding and restoring degraded lands.
- Lastly we are converting waste vegetation into food. It’s a challenging concept but I am sure it is better to eat meat when you know that the animal has had a good healthy life doing what it was bred to do… and I’m sure the sausages will be all the more tasty for it…