FG7: Anti-predator combination fencing
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the anti-predator combination fencing item.
How much will be paid
£13.76 per metre (m).
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants.
Only:
- on dry open grassland habitat used by breeding stone-curlew – in conjunction with a grassland option
- in a national breeding wader target area or where there are significant numbers of breeding waders – in conjunction with the management or creation of lowland wet grassland for breeding wader options (GS9 and GS11)
- on certain coastal habitats (such as shingle) used by breeding seabirds, especially terns
Where this item cannot be used
On historic or archaeological features without specialist approval, such as from the county archaeologist or Historic England
How this item will benefit the environment
It increases the productivity of priority ground-nesting birds when used with effective habitat management.
Requirements
- agree with Natural England a specification for the fencing in year 1 of the agreement
- create a permanent anti-predator combination fence that meets the specification and timings as agreed with Natural England
- check regularly that target predators are absent from the enclosure
- prevent vegetation from touching the fence’s live wires
Fence specification
The fence is likely to:
- be buried about 25 cm deep into the ground using a trenching machine
- extend at least 1m above ground
- have electric wires set at around 65cm, 115cm, 130cm and 150cm above ground level, offset 5cm to 10 cm out from the post
Do not:
- allow the fence to restrict or block access to open access land
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- photographs of the existing site
- written support from NE adviser
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Higher Tier or Higher Tier Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- photographs during and after work
- detailed specification must be provided (by the end of year 1)
- records of the number of breeding pairs and breeding productivity of target species within and (as far as possible) outside the fence
Applicants must contact the Local Authority or Historic Environments Record Office before applying for this item for advice and gain any consents or permissions required. You do not need to provide this with your application, but you will need to submit consents or permissions with your payment claim.
The detailed requirements for this item will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Higher Tier applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item
Constructing the fence
This item can also be used as a stock fence but this item should only be used when fencing is needed at the same location each year.
Anti-predator fences are effective only against large ground predators such as foxes, badgers and hedgehogs. This item should be used alongside effective habitat management and when predators are likely to limit the productivity of the target species.
When constructing the fence it is necessary to:
- make sure that the fence surrounds a nesting and chick feeding habitat that benefits the target species
- place fencing away from tall vegetation
- leave enough space between the fence and boundary for vegetation management
- modify gates to stop predators getting through, over or under them
Maintaining the fence
Regular inspections are needed to ensure that:
- vegetation is not touching the fence
- the voltage is at the required level
- the structure is maintained to the required specification
- no target predators are in the enclosed area
The Natural England adviser will advise on how frequently these visits are needed (usually at least once a week when birds are nesting) and whether the power should be left on all year.
Control vegetation before it touches the bottom wire. Strim first under the fence line, then apply herbicide.
Licences
A disturbance licence will be needed if working near Schedule 1 species, such as stone curlew and little tern.
Biodiversity
This item has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holding’s situation and potential.
The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.
Further information
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants including how to apply.
Last updated 14 February 2023 + show all updates
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This item is now available for Higher Tier Capital Grants
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Updated for 2017 applications.
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Information updated for applications in 2016.
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First published.