THE National Trust has asked people to not pet the pigs as they return to graze in Purbeck. 

The pigs have returned to graze on part of Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR) in April. 

Described as 'intelligent, curious, and docile', the National Trust has advised people to keep their distance, keep dogs on leads, especially around piglets, don't feed, call or pet the pigs, and to keep walking.

On behalf of the seven organisations which manage the Purbeck Heaths, Peter Robertson of the RSPB, said:  “The problem is that many people are fascinated by the pigs. But if visitors treat them like pet animals – feeding and stroking them – they will begin to associate people with such attention.

"The pigs will then run up to anyone expecting to be fed, and they can be quite demanding if they think there is food. This can be alarming, especially as they are fairly big animals.”    

Known to roam the central section of the NNR, the woolly pigs can be found across the expanse of Hartland Moor, Stoborough Health, and the Arne Peninsula. 

The pigs root and dig in the soil which helps to create patches of bare ground, improving the habitat for many of the species which make a home on the heathlands.