Rural Payments and Services

This is an old version of the page

Date published: 30 March, 2015

Date superseded: 22 July, 2015

Capital standard cost: £8.50 per metre

This item is eligible where a deer fence is required in order to achieve the objectives of habitat enhancement or management where we agree that, without such protection, deer damage to an area will prevent you from meeting the objectives of the Woodland Creation or Woodland Improvement Grant – Habitats and Species options.

You must erect a fence which will be fit for purpose and will form a deer-proof barrier.

The appropriateness of any new deer fencing should be considered in the context of the Joint Agency Fencing Guidance.

For deer fencing:

• 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, the netting can vary from half to full length

Your choice of mesh size should be governed by the following:

	Max width between vertical on mesh	Max heights between horizontals on mesh
Red / Sika	30cm	22cm
Fallow	20cm	20cm
Roe	15cm	20cm

• all fencing woodwork must be treated
• you must install gates to allow for responsible access, management activities, or husbandry operations
• any water gates must be designed to keep watercourses stock / deer-proof, whatever the level of the water

* For areas in excess of five hectares or along roadsides at least 1.8 metres in height is recommended for fallow, roe or muntjac and two metres for red and sika.

This capital payment does not cover the cost of any gates (except water gates, flake gates, and sections of rail fence for access). Gates are covered as a separate capital item.

Your local capercaillie / black grouse project officer or RSPB advisory officer can provide advice on the siting of fences to reduce potential problems and can advise on the most suitable fence marking.

We require this item to be in place, meeting minimum specifications and in good order for a period of at least five years following the date you received your payment.