FG14: Badger gate
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-03)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the badger gate item.

This item is part of Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Capital Grants 2025 guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/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

£61.81 per gate.

How this item benefits the environment

It reduces the damage badgers can cause to fence lines installed to protect habitats.

This item can help you protect, recover and improve biodiversity on your land.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item only on badger routes that are in use now and are restricted by a new fence line

You can also use as part of a Woodland Tree Health Grant (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-tree-health-grants-2025) with either:

FG1: Fencing (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/fencing-fg1)

FG2: Sheep netting (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/sheep-netting-fg2)

FG4: Rabbit fencing supplement (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/rabbit-fencing-supplement-fg4)

FG5: Fencing supplement - difficult sites (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/fencing-supplement-difficult-sites-fg5)

FG9: Deer fencing (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/deer-fencing-fg9)

You cannot use this item in:
- existing fence lines that have already been erected
- newly erected fences supporting wet grasslands for breeding waders
What you must do to use this item

You must:
- use wood treated with a non-toxic, low odour and preservative product
- make sure no nails or rough sawn edges are left exposed
- fit the gate frame and floor block into the fence, stapling the wire to the wooden frame
- sink the frame into the ground until the floor block sits at ground level
You must either:
- allow a period for the badgers to use the open gate and then fit the wooden flap, holding it at the top on a pivot so it can open and close freely both ways
- fit the flap with the rest of the gate and hold it open with wire until the badgers start using the gate regularly
You must also construct the badger gate to the following dimensions (in millimetres):
- lap – 250 millimetres (mm) by 200mm by 40mm
- lintel – 285mm by 40mm by 40mm
- floor block – 205mm by 40mm by 40mm
- 2 uprights – 450mm by 40mm by 40mm
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
- photographs of the existing site before work starts
- the item specification (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).

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

Before putting up a fence, check the proposed fence line carefully for badger runs or paths. Runs are most clearly visible during the spring. This is when badger activity is high, and vegetation is not at full height. Well-used paths are often distinct and relatively clear of vegetation because of repeated trampling.

Before installing the gate:
- cut a gap in the netting approximately 200mm wide by 300mm high where the fence crosses a badger run
- leave the gap open until badgers are regularly using it
- cut extra holes in any places along the fence where damage occurs (for extra gates to be installed)
You should install the gates in the gaps once badgers have become used to the fence.

Find out how to avoid harming badgers and whether a licence is needed (https://www.gov.uk/badgers-protection-surveys-and-licences).

Maintaining the gate

Check the gate regularly to make sure it does not become blocked or fall into disrepair.

British Standards

Check to make sure the work meets relevant British Standards (https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/products-and-services/standards/).