Rural Payments and Services

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

Any land is eligible where the area to benefit is included in a management option.

You must show the location of the proposed fence(s) to be rabbit proofed on a map.

• you must use galvanised wire rabbit netting. The netting must be not less than 1.05 metres high
• the top edge of the galvanised wire netting must not be less than 0.9 metres above ground level
• the netting must be fastened to the fencing and the bottom edge of the netting turned outwards for a minimum distance of 150 millimetres and anchored with either turves or pegs
• all gates in rabbit-proofed fences must also be proofed
• you must maintain a diary

You can claim £2.00 per metre.

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. This can include works which offer a dual benefit to both the environment and the long term management of a Scheduled Monument located within the designated site (Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Natura sites).

This item can be supported with one of the following items:

• Stock Fence
• Deer Fence

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the work
• you have maintained a diary
• you have use galvanised wire rabbit netting. The netting is not less than 1.05 metres high
• the top edge of the galvanised wire netting is not less than 0.9 metres above ground level
• the netting has been fastened to the fencing and the bottom edge of the netting turned outwards for a minimum distance of 150 millimetres and anchored with either turfs or pegs
• all gates in rabbit-proofed fences are also proofed

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