Earlier this month, Shugborough Estate welcomed three Tamworth pigs to its walled garden.

Pigs, Honeysuckle, Rosehip and Primrose, have been brought to the estate to assist with a special restoration project.

Speaking about the new additions, Acting Livestock Manager Lauren, said: "The length of their snout and natural behaviours make them very well suited to rooting up the ground."

When pigs root through the soil, they break up compact ground and improve its structure.

This makes it easier for the soil to absorb rainwater and creates the perfect environment for plants and wildlife to thrive.

Tamworth pigs are a Staffordshire breed and have been kept on Shugborough Estate and in the surrounding area for centuries.

Lauren said: "These guys [Honeysuckle, Rosehip and Primrose] were bought from a breeder in Cheshire, they are part of the same litter and are all pedigree lineage Tamworths."

Speaking about the plan for the pigs during their stay at Tamworth she continued: "It's a bit of an experiment.

"We wanted to try and see what their behaviours were like outside, doing their natural rooting."

The hope is, that with the help of the pigs, the section of the walled garden where they are located can be transformed back to its former glory which would involve a great deal of replanting.

According to the National Trust, the pigs "add valuable organic matter and nutrients through their manure, enriching the soil and supporting the microbes, fungi and invertebrates that are essential for a healthy ecosystem.

"Using livestock as part of land management is a traditional, sustainable approach that improves soil health while reducing the need for machinery.

"Tamworth pigs are particularly well suited to this type of conservation grazing thanks to their strong natural rooting instincts.

Other plans for the walled garden include repairing old apricot and peach houses and restoring a dipping pond.

To find out more about Shugborough Estate, click here.