FG3: Permanent electric fencing

How much will be paid

£5.66 per metre (m).

Where to use this item

It is available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier

Only:

• where new fencing is required to meet option grazing requirements

or

• in areas affected by water pollution caused by farming (approval from Catchment Sensitive Farming is not required nor does the parcel need to be in a High Priority area for water quality)

or

• to protect environmental features (for example newly planted trees, biodiverse buffer strips and field corners taken out of management) or as agreed with the Forestry Commission Woodland Officer.

It is available for Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants:

• in areas affected by water pollution caused by farming (approval from Catchment Sensitive Farming is not required nor does the parcel need to be in a High Priority area for water quality)

It is also available for Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants (SFI pilot) to help you undertake the actions in the following SFI pilot standards:

• Waterbody buffering standard
• Improved grassland standard
• Low/no input grassland

In the above instances, you do not have to locate the permanent electric fencing to prevent water pollution caused by farming.

Where this item cannot be used

• on historic or archaeological features as identified in the HEFER
• on a site where a fence has previously received a grant

How this item will benefit the environment

If successful this item will help control livestock and protect environmental features. It will also help to manage habitats.

Requirements

• erect wire fencing at least 1050mm high using a minimum of 4 mild steel or high tensile plain wires attached to the posts with suitable insulators
• use wooden straining posts with a top diameter of at least 150mm by 2100mm long or metal at 100mm by 2400mm long, spaced according to the type of wire used
• use struts with a top diameter of least 75mm and 2100mm long or 40mm by 2100mm for metal strut, morticed into straining posts if used in wood or suitable attachment for metal
• use intermediate posts with a top diameter of at least 65mm and 1650mm long, for metal posts use the correct diameter for the profile and 1800mm long, spaced according to the type of wire used
• install a mains-operated energiser in accordance with manufacturers recommendations
• Make sure that all the materials meet the relevant British Standards - examine copies of the most up-to-date standards for guidance

Do not:

• block or restrict access to open access land

If you have an existing agreement, you must continue to follow the specifications in that agreement.

Keeping records

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them 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

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:

• photographs of the completed work

Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail.

Related Mid Tier and Capital Grants items

This item can be used on the same length as the following item:

• FG4 - Rabbit fencing supplement

Further information

Read more information about Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants including how to apply.