Predator Fence

Predator fencing is a specialist barrier intended to reduce access by target animals to a protected area. Farm & Country Fencing's system is primarily designed to help keep foxes, badgers and other predators away from vulnerable ground-nesting birds.

Unlike ordinary boundary or livestock fencing, predator-exclusion fencing must consider several potential routes into the protected area. A predator may attempt to:

• Pass through or exploit an opening in the wire
• Dig beneath the fence line
• Climb over the top
• Exploit gaps around a gate or other access point
• Follow a ditch, watercourse or change in terrain
• Enter where the fence meets another structure

The effectiveness of the system therefore depends on continuity across the complete perimeter. Wire, posts, cranks, buried protection, gates and crossings must be considered as parts of one overall design.

Farm & Country Fencing adapts each installation to the site rather than relying on one standard specification for every project.

Farm & Country Fencing's custom predator fence was developed in conjunction with the RSPB to address the practical challenges involved in protecting ground-nesting birds.

Predator fencing often needs to function within wetlands, reedbeds and other sensitive environments. These locations can include soft ground, standing water, ditches, tidal conditions and valuable habitats where unnecessary concrete or disruptive construction should be avoided.

The system can bring together:

• Custom stock wire
• Farm & Country Fencing's Delta Posts
• 500mm cranked sections
• A buried return fold or wire set within a trench
• Custom gates with cranks
• Underground anti-dig gate frames
• Adaptations for flowing or tidal water
• Optional electric or barbed wire where appropriate

The final specification will depend on the species being deterred, the wildlife or livestock being protected, the terrain, access requirements and sensitive features around the proposed perimeter.

Predator fencing uses several complementary features to reduce the routes available to target animals.

Custom Stock Wire
The main body of the fence uses custom stock wire to create a continuous physical barrier. Farm & Country Fencing uses UK prime-manufactured wire within its predator-fencing system.

The wire specification and layout must be selected as part of the complete design. Openings at ground level, around access points or where sections meet can undermine an otherwise substantial fence, making careful installation essential.

500mm Cranks
The system incorporates 500mm cranks at the top of the fence. These extend the upper section away from the main fence line and make it more difficult for target animals to climb over the barrier.

The cranked section must be incorporated consistently around the perimeter, including where the fence meets gates and other features.

Buried Fold or Trenched Wire
Predators may attempt to dig beneath a conventional fence. To address this vulnerability, the lower section can incorporate a fold or be installed within a trench.

The appropriate approach will depend on the site. Soil type, water levels, vegetation, buried services and environmental sensitivity may all influence how the anti-dig section is constructed.

Delta Posts with a 30-Year Warranty
Farm & Country Fencing's predator-fencing system uses Delta Posts, which carry a 30-year warranty.

These posts provide support for the wire and cranked sections and have been used in complex wetland installations. Their use can also help reduce reliance on excessive concrete, which may be valuable on sensitive sites.

The 30-year warranty applies to the Delta Posts, not automatically to the complete fence, its installation or every component within the system.

Optional Electric or Barbed Wire
Electric or barbed wire can be added where appropriate to provide an additional deterrent. These options may also allow the system to contain livestock at the same time.

Their suitability will depend on the site, target species, livestock, public access and project requirements. They should form part of the considered specification rather than being added without assessing the wider environment.

Every entrance creates a potential weakness in a predator-exclusion perimeter. A carefully designed fence can be compromised if a gate leaves an accessible opening above, beneath or alongside it.

Farm & Country Fencing provides custom gates with cranked upper sections and underground anti-dig frames. These features help continue the principles of the main fence across pedestrian and vehicle access points.

The underground frames help maintain the integrity of the gate area without requiring excessive concrete on sensitive sites. The design will depend on:

• The type and frequency of access required
• The target species
• Ground levels and surface conditions
• Drainage and water movement
• The need to continue the cranked upper line
• The size and purpose of the enclosure

Gates must also be operated correctly. Even a well-designed access point cannot exclude predators when left open or prevented from closing properly.

Ground-Nesting Bird Protection
The system's principal application is helping protect ground-nesting birds from foxes, badgers and other predators.

Ground-nesting birds are vulnerable because their nests, eggs and young are located at or close to ground level. A carefully designed perimeter can support a wider conservation strategy by helping to reduce predator access to important nesting areas.

The fence should not be considered in isolation. Access procedures, monitoring and ongoing inspection all contribute to the performance of the protected enclosure.

Wetlands and Reedbeds
Wetlands and reedbeds can be particularly demanding installation environments. Soft ground, water, dense vegetation and restricted machinery access may all affect the work.

Farm & Country Fencing has direct experience installing predator fencing through reeds, standing water and waterlogged terrain. The system can be adapted around ditches, weirs and other challenging site features.

Nature Reserves and Conservation Sites
Predator fencing may be appropriate for nature reserves, managed habitats and other conservation projects where a vulnerable area requires a carefully controlled perimeter.

The use of Delta Posts and underground anti-dig gate frames can reduce the need for excessive concrete. Every sensitive location still requires individual consideration, and relevant permissions or environmental checks may be necessary before work begins.

Livestock and Multi-Purpose Boundaries
The system can incorporate electric or barbed wire so that it also contains livestock.

This can allow one boundary to serve more than one purpose, but the design must reflect the animals being contained as well as the predators being deterred. Wire arrangement, access points, surrounding land use and public exposure all need to be considered.

Farm & Country Fencing completed a major predator-fencing project for an important RSPB wetland site. This installation demonstrates how the system can be adapted to difficult ground and complex environmental features.

More than 3,000 metres of fencing formed a complete enclosure around vulnerable wildlife habitat. Much of the fence ran through reeds, standing water and waterlogged ground, requiring specialist planning, equipment and installation.

The project included:

• More than 3,000 metres of predator-exclusion fencing
• Farm & Country Fencing's Delta Post system
• A buried return fold
• Cranked upper netting
• Two weir crossings
• Three ditch crossings
• Multiple pedestrian and vehicle gates
• Installation through reedbed and waterlogged ground
• A rolling sleeve protecting an external brace against climbing

For that particular project, the finished fence stood just over 2.2 metres high, with no gaps larger than approximately 80mm across the boundary to meet the specified RSPB predator-exclusion criteria.

Those figures relate to this documented installation. They should not be treated as the automatic specification for every predator fence. The required height, openings, crossings and other features must be determined for each site.

The fence was designed to remain discreet in appearance once the surrounding vegetation regrew.

Designed Around Potential Entry Routes
The system addresses climbing, digging and vulnerable areas around gates rather than relying solely on a vertical wire barrier.

Cranked upper sections, buried protection and custom access points work together to create a more complete perimeter.

Adaptable to Challenging Terrain
Farm & Country Fencing has experience modifying predator fences around standing water, flowing water, tidal conditions, weirs, ditches and other site-specific obstacles.

This is especially important on conservation sites, where the most difficult section of the boundary may also provide a potential route into the enclosure.

Reduced Reliance on Excessive Concrete
Delta Posts and underground anti-dig gate frames can reduce the need for excessive concrete. This can be beneficial on environmentally sensitive land and where conventional foundations would be difficult or disruptive.

The installation method will still depend on the conditions and design requirements of the individual site.

Clear Delta Post Warranty
Delta Posts carry a 30-year warranty, providing a clear warranty for a key component of the system.

Other components remain subject to their own materials, conditions, wear and maintenance requirements. Regular fence inspection remains essential.

Optional Livestock Containment
Suitable electric or barbed wire can allow the predator fence to contain livestock while also providing an additional deterrent to predators.

This dual purpose may be useful on agricultural or conservation land where grazing forms part of the management of the site.

Specialist Design Support
Farm & Country Fencing can assist during design and tender stages. Our experienced staff can help develop a specification that reflects the available system and considers the particular conditions and eventualities of the site.

References from previous clients are available, and visits to relevant installations can be arranged where appropriate.

Higher Initial Investment
Custom wire, specialist posts, cranks, anti-dig sections, gates and challenging installation conditions can make predator fencing more expensive initially than standard agricultural fencing.

The cost should be assessed in relation to the size of the protected area, the complexity of the terrain and the required specification.

Complex Sites Require Specialist Planning
Ditches, watercourses, tidal conditions, soft ground and restricted access can significantly affect the design and installation process.

These features do not necessarily prevent the construction of a suitable perimeter, but they must be identified and addressed as part of the design.

Permissions and Environmental Checks
Work on conservation land, protected habitats or near water may require appropriate permissions, licences, assessments or environmental checks.

Where protected species, designated land or work near water are involved, the client should establish what permissions, licences or environmental assessments are required before work begins.

Farm & Country Fencing can contribute specialist fencing knowledge during the design and tender process, but the applicable requirements will depend on the site and proposed work.

No Fence Should Be Assumed to Be Infallible
Predator fencing is intended to help deter and exclude target animals, but its performance depends on the design, installation, site conditions, access management and continued condition of the complete perimeter.

Changing ground, fallen vegetation, water movement, accidental damage or an open gate can create a weakness. Routine fence inspection remains essential to identifying and addressing potential problems.

Even a durable, professionally installed predator fence requires periodic inspection.

Checks should pay particular attention to:

• Gates and their closing points
• The ground beneath pedestrian and vehicle entrances
• Ditches, weirs and water crossings
• Changes in ground level
• Vegetation pressing against the wire
• Damage caused by machinery, livestock or falling branches
• The continuity of cranked sections
• Evidence of digging
• Electric or barbed-wire components where installed

Inspection frequency should reflect the site conditions, weather, water levels, vegetation growth and risk of accidental damage. Additional checks may be appropriate following storms, flooding or vegetation-management work.

Damage should be addressed promptly. A relatively small opening can undermine the continuity of a much larger enclosure if it creates a route into the protected area.

Predator fencing is not simply conventional stock fencing with an additional wire at the top. Its effectiveness relies on the relationship between every component and the way the complete boundary responds to the site.

Professional design and installation help ensure that:

• Target species and project objectives are understood
• The fence follows a continuous, carefully planned route
• Ground conditions are assessed
• Anti-dig protection is incorporated appropriately
• Cranked sections remain consistent
• Gates continue the protection provided by the fence
• Ditches and water crossings are addressed
• Access for people, vehicles and machinery is planned
• Sensitive areas are treated appropriately
• Inspection requirements are considered

Farm & Country Fencing uses specially modified plant for these installations, enabling its team to work with the specialist wire, posts and ground conditions involved.

Customers choose Farm & Country Fencing for predator-control projects because we offer:

• A custom predator-fencing system developed in conjunction with the RSPB
• Experience installing thousands of metres of predator fencing
• Custom UK prime-manufactured stock wire
• Delta Posts with a 30-year warranty
• 500mm cranked sections
• Buried-fold and trenched-wire options
• Custom gates with cranks and underground anti-dig frames
• Optional electric or barbed wire
• Experience crossing flowing and tidal water
• Specialist installation using modified plant
• Design and tender-stage assistance
• References and visits to previous installations where appropriate
• A FREE Site Visit and Quotation Service

Every site presents different risks and physical conditions. We assess each project individually and help develop a specification that addresses the complete perimeter.

What animals is the predator fence designed to deter?
Farm & Country Fencing's predator system is designed to help keep foxes, badgers and other predators away from ground-nesting birds. The relevant target species should be considered when the fence is designed.

Was this predator fence developed with the RSPB?
Yes. Farm & Country Fencing's custom predator-fencing system was developed in conjunction with the RSPB.

How does the fence resist digging?
The lower wire can incorporate a buried fold or be set within a trench. The appropriate method depends on the ground conditions and requirements of the site.

How does the fencing deter climbing?
The system incorporates 500mm cranks at the top of the fence. Electric or barbed wire can also provide an additional deterrent where appropriate.

Can predator fencing cross ditches or water?
Yes. Farm & Country Fencing has adapted predator fences to cross ditches, weirs, flowing water and tidal water. Each crossing requires a site-specific design.

Can gates be included?
Yes. Custom pedestrian and vehicle gates can be incorporated. Gates can include cranks and underground anti-dig frames to help maintain the integrity of the perimeter.

Can the same fence contain livestock?
Electric or barbed wire can be added where appropriate, enabling the system to contain livestock while also helping deter predators. The specification must reflect the animals, site and surrounding land use.

Are the posts guaranteed?
Farm & Country Fencing's Delta Posts carry a 30-year warranty. This applies to the posts rather than automatically guaranteeing the entire fence or installation for 30 years.

Does predator fencing need maintenance?
Yes. The perimeter should be checked periodically for damage, digging, vegetation pressure and weaknesses around gates, water crossings and changes in ground level. Additional checks may be required following severe weather or flooding.

Can you help during the design or tender stage?
Yes. Farm & Country Fencing can assist during design and tender stages to help develop a specification that reflects the available system and conditions of the site.

Can you provide references?
Yes. References from previous clients are available, and visits to relevant installations can be arranged where appropriate.

How much does predator fencing cost?
The cost depends on the perimeter length, ground conditions, wire and post requirements, number of gates, anti-dig construction, water crossings and optional components. A site assessment is required to prepare an accurate quotation.