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Effective ProtectionPrevent predators such as otters from accessing fish ponds, lakes, and other aquatic environments. This is an effective way of protecting valuable fish stocks and other aquatic animals
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DurableMade from high-quality materials that are built to last, providing a reliable & robust fencing solution for property owners
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CustomisableCustomised to fit the specific needs of your property, with a range of sizes & styles available to suit different environments & applications
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Easy installation:Can be done quickly by a professional. It doesn't require extensive groundwork, a popular choice for properties that need an otter fencing solution.
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Low maintenanceEasily cleaned & painted to maintain its appearance & protect against weather conditions
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Otter fencing is a specialist exclusion system designed to prevent otters from accessing fisheries, lakes, ponds and other aquatic environments containing valuable fish.
Because otters can climb, dig and exploit small openings, an effective system must provide more than a conventional boundary fence. Specialist mesh extends above and below ground, while cranked upper sections, secure gateways and carefully protected corners help create a continuous perimeter.
Farm & Country Fencing designs and installs otter fencing around the individual site. We consider the water, surrounding terrain, access requirements, flood risk, vegetation, drainage and existing infrastructure before recommending a suitable solution.
Otters are a protected native species and an important part of the natural environment. However, their presence can cause significant losses for fisheries and property owners responsible for valuable or vulnerable fish.
A single weakness beneath a gate, beside a watercourse or along the fence line may provide access to fish stocks that have taken years and considerable investment to establish.
Otter fencing creates a physical separation between the protected water and the surrounding habitat. It allows fisheries and property owners to safeguard their fish while otters continue to live and thrive within the wider natural environment.
A suitable system can help protect:
- Commercial fisheries
- Angling lakes
- Private fishing lakes
- Specimen carp waters
- Ornamental ponds
- Koi and other valuable fish
- Fish-breeding facilities
- Aquatic animals
Effective otter fencing combines several protective features within one continuous system.
Specialist Mesh
Strong mesh prevents otters from passing directly through the boundary. It must be properly supported and tensioned across straight runs, corners, joins and changes in direction. Farm & Country Fencing can install specialist Tornado otter fencing, including high-tensile systems manufactured specifically for otter exclusion.
Below-Ground Protection
Otters may attempt to dig beneath an ordinary fence. Specialist mesh can therefore extend below ground or incorporate a securely installed anti-dig section. The installation method will depend on the soil, ground levels, drainage, tree roots and underground services. Once the mesh is installed, trenches are carefully backfilled and the surrounding area left tidy.
Cranked Upper Sections
An outward-facing crank makes it more difficult for an otter to climb over the fence. This protection must continue around the enclosure, including at corners and gateways. Posts and other supports should also be positioned so that they do not provide an unintended climbing aid outside the boundary.
Secure Gates and Access Points
Pedestrian and vehicle gates can be incorporated without compromising the protected perimeter. The gate covering, hinges, closing edges and ground beneath each entrance must all be considered. Farm & Country Fencing designs the gate arrangement around the type and frequency of access required.
Water and Drainage Features
Inlets, outlets, pipes, ditches and drainage channels can create potential access routes. These features require careful protection without unnecessarily obstructing water movement or the continued operation of the site. Our experience in fencing, groundwork, lakes, ponds and environmentally sensitive locations enables us to consider these features as part of the complete project.
Commercial fisheries and angling lakes may contain valuable fish stocks established over many years. Specimen carp and other large fish can be central to the reputation and financial sustainability of a venue.
Otter fencing provides an effective, long-lasting and cost-effective way to protect that investment. The installation can be planned around:
- Anglers' entrances and parking areas
- Vehicle and maintenance access
- Fishing swims
- Woodland and established planting
- Islands and lake banks
- Inlets, outlets and drainage
- Existing utilities
- Flood-prone ground
- Soft, wet or uneven terrain
Farm & Country Fencing plans the installation around the way the fishery operates, preserving necessary access while establishing a secure perimeter.
Private lakes, garden ponds and ornamental water features may also contain valuable or much-loved fish.
A tailored otter fence can protect koi and other ornamental species while being positioned to suit the surrounding property. Gates, planting, changes in level and the appearance of the completed boundary can all be considered during the site visit.
Farm & Country Fencing installed 900 metres of specialist Tornado otter fencing for Angling Direct at its lake in Hertfordshire.
Faced with the increasing threat of otter predation within the Lee Valley area, the client required a complete exclusion perimeter designed to provide long-term protection across difficult terrain while minimising disturbance to the surrounding woodland.
The installation incorporated heavy-duty cranked extenders, a securely trenched base, wired gateways and fully secured corners. Straining posts were installed every 50 metres and at changes in direction. These details relate to this particular project; every installation requires its own assessment and specification.
The site required substantial adaptation. Farm & Country Fencing raised approximately 200 metres of bank to help prevent seasonal flooding, cleared 150 metres through established woodland by hand and altered the proposed route to avoid a nearby gas main.
A further 50 metres crossed a tarmac car park. The team used a rock spike to install this section without introducing additional gates, keeping the entire car park inside the protected boundary.
The project demonstrates Farm & Country Fencing's ability to combine specialist fencing, groundwork and careful route planning while minimising unnecessary disturbance. Angling Direct praised the team's professionalism, understanding of the fishery's concerns and considerate approach to the surrounding woodland.
Effective Protection
Specialist mesh, below-ground protection, cranked upper sections and secure gateways work together to prevent access over, beneath or through the boundary.
Durable and Long-Lasting
High-quality otter fencing is designed for prolonged outdoor use. Correct tensioning, suitable supports and professional installation create a robust boundary designed to provide long-term protection.
Cost-Effective
Preventing the loss of established or valuable fish can make otter fencing a cost-effective long-term investment for commercial fisheries, angling venues and private owners.
Tailored to the Property
Each installation is designed around the shape of the water, surrounding terrain, access requirements and existing site features.
Straightforward for the Client
Farm & Country Fencing manages the complete process-from the initial site assessment and specification to preparation and professional installation.
Respectful of the Natural Environment
Farm & Country Fencing treats natural land, waterways, woodland and wildlife with care and respect. Fence routes and installation methods are planned around existing site features, helping minimise unnecessary disturbance while providing the required protection.
A secure otter fence must form one continuous enclosure. A small opening around a gate, drain or watercourse can undermine an otherwise substantial installation.
Depending on the location, our site assessment may consider:
- The overall route and boundary length
- Corners and directional changes
- Vehicle and pedestrian access
- Inlets, outlets and drainage points
- Woodland and established vegetation
- Ground levels and soil conditions
- Hardstanding and tarmac
- Flood risk
- Existing structures and boundaries
- Overhead and underground services
- Associated groundwork
Considering these features at the beginning allows the fence to be designed around the practical operation of the property rather than forcing the site to adapt to a standard system.
Specialist otter fencing provides durable, low-maintenance protection. Periodic inspection helps preserve the effectiveness of the fence and protect your investment.
Checks should focus on gates, drainage points, vegetation and any damage caused by flooding, severe weather, machinery or falling branches. Any damage or newly formed opening should be addressed promptly to maintain the security of the enclosure.
Otters are legally protected in the UK. Exclusion fencing prevents access to vulnerable fish stocks without removing otters from the wider natural habitat.
Care must be taken not to enclose an otter when the final section of fencing is secured. If an otter is found inside a fenced fishery, its capture or relocation must comply with the relevant Natural England licensing requirements.
Farm & Country Fencing can advise on the fencing specification and physical conditions of the site. Clients should establish whether any permissions or environmental requirements apply to the land and proposed work.
The effectiveness of otter fencing depends on the complete system rather than the mesh alone.
Professional installation helps ensure that:
- The correct fencing specification is selected
- The mesh is properly supported and tensioned
- Below-ground protection is securely installed
- Cranked sections remain consistent
- Corners and joins are reinforced
- Gates do not introduce avoidable openings
- Water and drainage features are addressed
- Flood risk and ground conditions are considered
- Underground and overhead services are identified
- Land, waterways, woodland and other natural features are treated with appropriate care
- The completed site is left clean and tidy
Farm & Country Fencing has the equipment, groundwork capability and practical experience needed to manage both straightforward and complex locations.
Farm & Country Fencing supplies and installs specialist otter fencing throughout Hertfordshire, Essex and the surrounding areas.
We work with fisheries, angling organisations, landowners, businesses and private clients requiring dependable protection for valuable fish stocks and other aquatic animals.
Our experience includes the 900-metre installation completed for Angling Direct at its Hertfordshire lake. The project involved woodland, flood-prevention work, underground services, gateways and fencing across a tarmac car park.
Customers choose us for:
- Specialist otter-fencing design and installation
- Effective, durable and cost-effective systems
- Specialist Tornado otter fencing
- Cranked upper sections and buried anti-dig protection
- Secure gates, corners and joins
- Experience around lakes, ponds and fisheries
- Groundwork and bank-raising capabilities
- Careful installation through woodland
- Adaptations for hard surfaces and difficult terrain
- Respectful treatment of land, waterways and wildlife
- Professional management from survey to completion
- References from previous clients
- A FREE Measure and Quotation Service
- FREE No Obligation Site Visits
Every site is assessed individually so that the proposed system reflects the property, terrain, access requirements and value being protected.
What is otter fencing?
Otter fencing is a specialist mesh system designed to prevent otters from climbing over, digging underneath or passing through a protected boundary. It is commonly installed around fisheries, angling lakes, private lakes and ornamental ponds.
Can otters climb ordinary fencing?
Yes. Otters are capable climbers. Specialist systems can incorporate an outward-facing crank designed to make climbing over the fence more difficult.
How does the fencing prevent digging?
The mesh can extend below ground or include suitable anti-dig protection. The installation method will depend on the ground conditions and requirements of the site.
What type of fencing do you install?
Farm & Country Fencing can install specialist high-tensile Tornado otter fencing. We will recommend an appropriate material and specification after assessing the site and project requirements.
Can gates be included?
Yes. Pedestrian and vehicle gates can be incorporated. Their covering, closing edges, hinges and the ground beneath them must all be carefully considered.
Can otter fencing be installed through woodland?
Yes. We have installed otter fencing through established woodland, using careful route planning and hand clearance to minimise unnecessary disturbance.
Can it cross tarmac or other hard surfaces?
Yes, where an appropriate installation method is available. At Angling Direct's Hertfordshire lake, approximately 50 metres of fencing was installed across a tarmac car park.
Can you complete associated groundwork?
Yes. We can incorporate associated groundwork into the wider project. Our previous work has included raising lake banks to help prevent seasonal flooding risk.
Does otter fencing require maintenance?
It is a low-maintenance system, although periodic inspection is recommended. Gates, vegetation, drainage points and any accidental or weather-related damage should receive particular attention.
Is otter fencing cost-effective?
Yes. By helping prevent repeated losses and protect valuable fish stocks, otter fencing can provide a cost-effective long-term solution.
How much does otter fencing cost?
The cost depends on the boundary length, chosen mesh, ground conditions, gates, groundwork, vegetation clearance and other site requirements. A site visit is needed to provide an accurate quotation.
