FG11: Deer exclosure plot
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the deer exclosure plot item.
How much will be paid
£212.56 per unit.
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants.
Only on woodland, wood pasture, scrub, heathland, and moorland or grassland restoration to protect regeneration of woody species from deer browsing.
How this item will benefit the environment
It will protect areas of woodland that are approximately 16 square metres in size from deer browsing. This will allow monitoring of the area’s regeneration potential and the impact of browsing.
Requirements
Agreement holders are likely to need to:
- erect a deer exclosure plot that is at least 1.5m high by 4m by 4m, or if you’re applying for WS1 (Deer Supplement) you can agree alternative specifications with your local deer officer
- make sure the fence meets the specifications set out in the Forestry Commission Forest Fencing Technical Guide, but with no gates
- make sure the fence is inspected at least once a year
- maintain the fence so that deer cannot enter the site for the length of the agreement
- make sure that stakes are large enough to support the exclosure plot for the length of the agreement
- replace any stakes or fencing materials that become damaged during the term of the agreement
- clear debris from the line of the fence
- make the line of the fence smooth enough that the bottom of the fence sits with the ground (there must be no gaps that deer can get through)
What the management plan needs to include
The management plan needs to identify that deer are present on the site and are a threat to it.
Do not:
- cut any vegetation inside the plot
Keeping records
Agreement holders are likely to 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
- Forestry Commission Management Plan approval letter if required
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Higher Tier and 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 of the completed work
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.
How to choose a site
Choose a site within the woodland where it is reasonable to expect the regeneration of trees, shrubs and flowers to take place, but where this is not currently happening. The area should receive enough light for regeneration to occur.
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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The Requirements section of this page has been updated
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Under "Requirements": 1st bullet corrected to “erect a deer exclosure plot that is at least 1.5m high by 4m by 4m”
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Updated for 2017 applications.
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Information updated for applications in 2016.
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First published.