Deer Fence

Date published: 17 December, 2018

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

The aim of this item is to protect an existing or newly created habitat or landscape feature from deer damage.

Any land where the area to benefit is included in a management option or a newly created capital item is eligible.

You must show the location of the proposed deer fence on a 1:10,000 map.

If you have shared responsibility for the fence, a Shared Boundary Agreement form must be completed and submitted with your application.

  • you must erect a fence which will form a deer-proof barrier
  • the minimum fence height for protection against roe deer is 1.5 metres. The minimum fence height for protection against red, sika or fallow deer is 1.8 metres
  • you must use woven high tensile, mild steel or welded rectangular mesh
  • any water gates must be designed to keep watercourses deer and stock proof, whatever the level of the water
  • you must maintain a diary
  • all fencing woodwork must be treated

You can claim:

  • £8.50 per metre
  • £4.25 per metre where the fence will form a shared boundary

You may apply for payment on an actual cost basis for this item if the work you are proposing to carry out will benefit the notified features of a designated site, and where there are exceptional circumstances.

To support deer fencing you can select this item with the following items:

The inspectors will check:

  • the location and extent of the work
  • you have erected a fence which will form a deer-proof barrier
  • the minimum fence height for protection against roe deer is 1.5 metres. The minimum fence height for protection against red, sika or fallow deer is 1.8 metres
  • you have used woven high tensile, mild steel or welded rectangular mesh
  • any water gates have been designed to keep watercourses deer and stock proof, whatever the level of the water
  • you have maintained a diary
  • all fencing woodwork has been treated

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