Change description : 2026-03-25 16:17:00: The ‘Where you can use this item’ section has been updated to the following: You can use this item on woodland with the agreement of the Forestry Commission. You can use this item on wood pasture with the agreement of Natural England. [Guidance and regulation]
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 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 andwith the agreement of the Forestry Commission.
You can use this item on wood pasture with the agreement of theNatural ForestryCommissionEngland.
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
Species of deer
End posts and turning posts metres by centimetres (cm)
Struts metres by centimetres (cm)
Intermediate stakes metres by centimetres (cm)
Maximum stake spacing metres (m)
Roe
2.8m by 10 to 13cm
2.5m by 8 to 10cm
2.5m by 5 to 8cm
10m
Muntjac
2.8m by 10 to 13cm
2.5m by 8 to 10cm
2.5m by 5 to 8cm
10m
Red/sika/fallow
2.8m by 12 to 18cm
2.5m by 10 to 13cm
2.6m by 8 to 10cm
10m
Specifications for the height of the fence and the size of the mesh
Species of deer
Minimum fence height metres (m)
Maximum mesh size millimetres (mm)
Red and sika
1.8m
200mm by 300mm
Fallow
1.8m
200mm by 220mm
Roe
1.5m
200mm by 150mm
Muntjac
1.5m
75mm by 75mm
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.
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
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.
Items, supplements and actions you can use with this item
Wood pasture added to 'Where to use this item' and 'How this item will benefit the environment' sections.
6 November 2023
Removal of text confirming FG9 Deer fencing availability under Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants (SFI pilot), as the SFI Capital offer is no longer available.
13 February 2023
This item is now available for Higher Tier Capital Grants
19 December 2022
The Requirements section of this page has been updated
1 February 2022
'Where to use this item' section updated to include detail on SFI pilot.