The video was taken in the Forest of Dean
SWNS Lauren Beavis and Abigail Neep
08:45, 17 Feb 2026
Wild boar taking a mud bath in the Forest of Dean(Image: SWNS)
A wild boar has been captured enjoying a mud bath in what is known as the UK’s capital for the species.
The footage was taken by wildlife photographer Zbigniew Waćkowski, 49, on a trail camera in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
It depicts a feral pig taking a mud bath in an area where the population of the species has seen a significant increase.
The Forest of Dean is home to a growing number of boars, with some incidents involving a man losing a finger to one.
Reports suggest that some pigs have become bold enough to attack pets, confront dog walkers, and even learn the schedule of bin collection days to scavenge for food in urban areas.
Wild boar taking a mud bath in the Forest of Dean(Image: SWNS)
Gloucester-based Zbigniew shared his love for the Forest of Dean, saying: “I first visited the Forest of Dean four years ago and I completely fell in love with the place.
“Ever since then, I’ve spent pretty much every free weekend out in the forest – when I’m out there I honestly feel like I’m 30 again!”
His passion for observing animals using trail cameras was sparked by noticing various wildlife tracks and signs during his walks.
He described the thrill of watching the footage for the first time after returning from the woods.
Zbigniew said: “Seeing animals captured in their natural habitat, behaving naturally when no one is around, is genuinely fascinating.”
Boars were hunted to extinction in the UK 700 years ago but re-established themselves in the Forest of Dean in the 1990s.
Wild boars are robust, powerful creatures covered in bristly hair, which can range from dark brown to almost black or gingery brown.