FG17: Deer vehicle gate
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-20)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the Deer vehicle gate option.

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier 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

£749.63 per gate.

How this item benefits the environment

It protects trees from deer browsing and damage. It also helps manage deer on your land.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item as part of a Woodland Tree Health grant (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-tree-health-grants-2025).

You cannot use this item:
- where deer fencing is not an appropriate protection measure
- with a temporary deer fence
What you must do to use this item

You must:
- meet Forestry Commission’s fence specifications (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/forest-fencing/)
- ensure the gate is a minimum of 3 metres (m) wide – do not use the hanging posts as an end strainer
- install hanging posts following Forestry Commission’s fence specifications (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/forest-fencing/) and make sure they’re suitably compacted – there must be no gaps at the bottom of the gate that are wider than the mesh sizes (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/forest-fencing/)
- maintain the gates so deer cannot enter the land until the trees no longer require protection
Hanging post dimensions must be a minimum of:
- 2.8m by 120 to 180 millimetres (mm) diameter for Red, Sika and Fallow deer
- 2.8m by 100 to 130mm for Roe and Muntjac deer
You must also use the following specifications for the height of the gate and the size of the mesh (minimum gate height (in m) and maximum mesh size (in mm)):
- Red and Sika 1.8m, 200mm by 300mm
- Fallow 1.8m, 200mm by 220mm
- Roe 1.5m, 200mm by 150mm
- Muntjac 1.5m, 80mm by 80m
When to use wooden wings for gates

You can use wooden wings to make sure the gates are deer proof for the full width of a gap where necessary. For example, where a gateway is adjacent to a ditch. These are only likely necessary where they’re already a feature of the landscape. You should make sure each wing consists of rails or fencing mesh meets Forestry Commission’s standards (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/forest-fencing/).

Evidence you must keep

You must keep and provide on request:
- receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement Holder’s guide: Woodland Tree Health grants 2025 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-tree-health-grants-2025/agreement-holders-guide-woodland-tree-health-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).

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.

Contact your local Forestry Commission adviser for more advice (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission/about/access-and-opening).