FG10: Temporary deer fencing
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-03)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the temporary deer fencing 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

£8.09 per metre (m).

How this item benefits the environment

Protecting newly coppiced woodland from deer browsing supports a wider woodland management project.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item on either:
- newly created woodland
- existing woodland
- woodland where you have a woodland tree health agreement or plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-tree-health-grants-2025)
If this item is used on an existing woodland site, the management plan needs to identify that deer are present on the site in large numbers and are a threat to it.

You cannot use this item on newly planted woodland supported by TE4: Supply and plant tree (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/supply-and-plant-tree-te4) or TE5: Supplement for the use of tree shelters (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/supplement-for-use-of-individual-tree-shelters-te5).

What you must do to use this item

You must install a fence, ensuring it:
- protects newly coppiced woodland
- meets the specifications set out in the table below and in the Forestry Commission practice note: Recommendations for fallow, roe and muntjac deer fencing (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/recommendations-for-fallow-roe-and-muntjac-deer-fencing-new-proposals-for-temporary-and-reusable-fencing/)
- is erected as soon as possible after coppicing has taken place and before stools have started to grow again
- has a line that’s smooth enough and clear of debris so the bottom of the fence sits flush with the ground
- is maintained so deer cannot enter the land until the coppice re-growth is large enough that it no longer needs protecting
- meets the right specifications for the species of deer present
Specifications for the height and mesh size of temporary fences

You should discuss and agree requirements that are specific to your site with your adviser.

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:
- receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- a Forestry Commission plan approval letter
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
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)