In

part 1 of his biennial Rail Rover ( RAIL 864), Paul Bigland wondered why there are so many pig farms from Norwich to Thetford, and David Bowles has the answer.

“The reason is geology - pigs like sandy soils to root around, are easy to maintain and quick to recover. So the pig is happy and the pig farmer is happy as it is easier to make a profit.

“East Anglia and Lincolnshire has this soil in spades, hence why most of the pig population live in east England and most of the cattle in the South and West. Hope this helps.”