Welcome to retirement at Pierrepont Farm to two rare Mangalitza pigs!

Two rare Mangalitza pigs have arrived at the CRT’s Pierrepont Farm in Surrey as official workers for the farm!  

Tango and Sprite have made the move from Birdworld in Farnham as the attraction is closing its Jenny Wren Farm section as part of a multimillion-pound redevelopment. 

They will now become part of the regenerative system at Pierrepont Farm as they root around and help turn over the soil. 

 Farmer Kayleigh Robb with   Tango and Sprite

Tango and Sprite exploring their new home

Kerriann McLackland, the CRT’s Head of Estates, said: “The pigs will really be helping us out. Pigs can play a key role in regenerative farming practices as their foraging behaviour creates areas of bare ground so that a wider range of plant species can be established, helping to create a greater diversity of wildlife. 

“We are delighted to be able to provide a new home for these Mangalitza pigs from our neighbours at Birdworld. Managlitza’s, whilst not a British rare breed, were in danger of extinction as recently as 1993 and seeing them supporting both farming and conservation is really special.” 

Farmer Kayleigh Robb said she was delighted to welcome the pigs to the farm.  

“They will join my British saddlebacks, which are already at the farm. Pigs are a great help with regenerative farming, and they will spend the winter turning over 20 acres of arable and pasture. 

“I think they will make a great addition to Pierrepont and I’m happy to give them a home.” 

Tango and Sprite curled up together

Already starting work on the field!

Polly Bramham, Living Collections Manager at BirdWorld, said she was delighted to see the beautiful curly-haired pigs settle into their new home at Pierrepont Farm. 

“They have been much loved by all our staff and extremely popular with so many Birdworld visitors, ever since they joined us as piglets three years ago," she said.

“While they will be hugely missed, these brothers are still young and energetic, and ready for pastures new and all the adventures this will bring.  

“They have a full-time job ahead of them, keeping the ground well turned and fresh to create the best grazing pastures for the gorgeous herd of Jersey cows alongside.  

“Tango and Sprite are Mangalitza pigs, instantly recognisable by their golden curls, often being referred to as sheep-pigs. They have grown into fantastic, playful and extremely smart lads, forever giving the farm staff fences to fix and enrichment to create. Their questioning and investigative personalities have endeared them to everyone, and we are confident they will be firm favourites in their new home.” 

Keep an eye out for the pigs at work when you visit Pierrepont Farm to enjoy a walk or to visit The Old Dairy courtyard and our many artisan businesses.

How you can help

Our farmers can’t do it without you. If you want to help us protect local wildlife and help farmers continue to farm in a nature-friendly way, you can support the CRT in any number of ways, from joining as a CRT Friend to volunteering on one of our farms and attending our events. You can also sign-up to our monthly newsletter 'CRT News' for regular updates from our farms, straight to your inbox.

Published: November 2024