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

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 in the last 7 years

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

For wooden posts you must:

• erect wire fencing at least 1050mm1.5m 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 2100mm2.1m long or metal at 100mm by 2400mm long, spaced according to the type of wire used
• use struts with a top diameter of at least 75mm andwhich 2100mmare long2.1m orlong, 40mm by 2100mm for metal strut, morticed into straining postsposts. ifYou usedcan inuse wooda bos strainer with, or suitableinstead attachmentof fora metalstrut
• use intermediate posts with a top diameter of at least 65mm andwhich 1650mmare long,1.65m 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
• Makemake sure that all the materials meet the relevant British Standards - examine copies of the most up-to-date standards for guidance

You can use any type of metal post, but they must be suitable for the site and be durable for 5 years from the start of your agreement.

For metal posts you must:

• use straining posts which are at least 2.4m in length
• place a straining post at every change of direction (horizontal or vertical) and at each end of the fence
• use intermediate posts at least 1.8m long
• struts should be at least 2.1m long
• attach struts to posts using a suitable connector
• erect the steel wire mesh fence to at least 1.05m high when installed. You can use additional strands of galvanised steel wire (plain or barbed) if you need extra height, using strands of galvanised 4mm mild plain steel wire or 2.5mm barbed wire or high tensile

You can install the metal posts according to the installation recommendation of the manufacturer.

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 Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.

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 Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants including how to apply.