FG11: Deer exclosure plot
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-03)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the deer exclosure plot item.

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Capital Grants 2025 guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-tier-capital-grants-2025) to understand the rules and how to apply. If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht) to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

£212.56 per unit.

How this item benefits the environment

It protects areas of woodland that are approximately 16 square metres (m2) in size from deer browsing. This allows monitoring of the area’s regeneration potential and the impact of browsing.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item with a management plan on:
- woodland
- wood pasture
- scrub
- heathland
- moorland or grassland restoration
You cannot use it if there’s both:
- insufficient light to allow for the potential for natural regeneration
- the plot size is less than 16m2
What you must do to use this item

You must:
- have a management plan confirming deer are present and a threat to the environment
- erect a deer exclosure plot that’s at least 1.5 metres (m) high by 4m by 4m
- you can agree alternative specifications with your local Forestry Commission adviser if you’re applying for CWS1: Deer control and management (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/cws1-deer-control-and-management)
- make sure the fence meets the specifications set out in the Forestry Commission Forest Fencing Technical Guide (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/forest-fencing/) but with no gates
- make sure the fence is inspected at least once a year
- maintain the fence so deer cannot enter the site for the length of the agreement
- make sure 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
- make sure the fence has a line that’s smooth enough and clear of debris so the bottom of the fence sits flush with the ground
You must not cut any vegetation inside the plot.

Evidence you must keep

You must keep photographs of the completed work and provide with your claim.

You must also keep and provide on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- a Forestry Commission management plan approval letter if required
Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreement-holders-guide-capital-grants-higher-tier-capital-grants-and-protection-and-infrastructure-grants-2025) for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht).

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with FY1: Deer high seat (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/deer-high-seat-fy1)

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.

Choosing a site

Choose a site within the woodland where it’s reasonable to expect the regeneration of trees, shrubs and flowers to take place, but is not currently happening. The area should receive enough light for regeneration to occur.