FG9: Deer fencing
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-03)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the 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

£10.27 per metre (m).

How this item benefits the environment

Protecting newly created or existing woodland and wood pasture from deer browsing, helping sustain the habitat. This supports biodiversity and carbon capture.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item on woodland and wood pasture with the agreement of the Forestry Commission

You can also use in a Woodland Tree Health Grant (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-tree-health-grants-2025) in combination with TE5: Supplement for use of individual tree-shelters (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/supplement-for-use-of-individual-tree-shelters-te5) (with the agreement of the Forestry Commission)

What you must do to use this item

You must:
- install the fence ensuring the specifications meet the requirements set out in the tables below and in the Forestry Commission: Forest fencing guide (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/forest-fencing/)
- clear debris from the line of the fence
- make the line of the fence smooth enough so the bottom of the fence sits with the ground (there must be no gaps that deer can enter through)
- make sure the fence is regularly inspected
- maintain the fence so deer cannot enter the land until the trees are large enough that they no longer need protecting
- get the agreement of your adviser if installing metal fence posts on land in a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement
Specifications for the fence’s woodwork

Specifications for the height of the fence and the size of the mesh

What the management plan needs to include

You can only use this item on an existing woodland site if your management plan clearly identifies that deer are present and pose a threat to the site. You do not need a woodland management plan where this item is being used to protect newly planted trees using capital item TE4: Supply and plant tree (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/supply-and-plant-tree-te4).

Your adviser will adapt the requirements for this item to your site. You should discuss and agree these requirements with them.

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
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).

Items, supplements and actions you can use with this item

Capital items

You can use this item with the following items:

FG12: Wooden field gate (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/wooden-field-gate-fg12)

FG14: Badger gate (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/badger-gate-fg14)

FG15: Water gates (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/water-gates-fg15)

FY6: Restore coppicing in woodland (https://www.gov.uk/capital-grant-finder/fy6-restore-coppicing-in-woodland)

Supplements

You can use it with these supplements:

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)

Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier actions

You can use with these actions:
- CWD20: Create wood pasture (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/cwd20-create-wood-pasture)
- CWD21: Restore wood pasture and parkland (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/cwd21-restore-wood-pasture-and-parkland)
- CWD22: Manage wood pasture and parkland (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/cwd22-manage-wood-pasture-and-parkland)