Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this item is to benefit areas adjacent to sand dunes at risk from wind erosion.

Fences reduce wind speed across the sand surface and encourage sand deposition. Fencing can also be used in conjunction with other management works, such as dune-grass planting to encourage dune stabilisation.

These methods are less damaging than some methods of stabilisation used in the past.

Land that includes coastal sand dunes is eligible

You must prepare a map showing where you propose to erect the fencing.

• you must erect sand-blow fencing at right angles to the prevailing wind direction
• the fence must be constructed using either wooden paling or timber slats not more than 50 millimetres wide, with gaps of the same size
• the fence must be fixed to posts no more than 2.4 metres apart
• you must maintain a diary

You can claim £10.20 per metre.

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the work
• you have erected sand-blow fencing at right angles to the prevailing wind direction
• the fence has been constructed using either wooden paling or timber slats not more than 50 millimetres wide, with gaps of the same size
• the fence has been fixed to posts no more than 2.4 metres apart
• you have maintained a diary

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