Your Wildlife Fencing Design Guide

by County Fencing

16th May 25

In large-scale developments, infrastructure projects, and environmental conservation initiatives, the need to manage the interaction between people and wildlife is becoming increasingly important. Whether it’s preventing deer from entering transport corridors or protecting amphibians during a construction project, wildlife fencing plays a vital role in controlling wildlife access, safeguarding biodiversity, and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

This guide covers everything you need to know about designing and installing wildlife fencing at scale. From understanding animal behaviours to choosing the appropriate standard for fence types, and from working with specialist fence constructors to maintaining the installation over time, this guide offers practical guidance for landowners, developers, environmental consultants, and those involved in landscape management and conservation efforts.

What is Wildlife Fencing? And Why Does It Matter?

Wildlife fencing, in a commercial or environmental context, refers to purpose-built barriers designed to influence, restrict, or guide the movement of wild animals. This isn’t just about keeping wildlife out, it’s about maintaining ecological balance, reducing risk to human safety, and supporting conservation outcomes.

In practical terms, wildlife fencing is used for several key purposes. It helps control wildlife access to critical infrastructure, such as roads, railway lines, and utility sites, by creating a physical barrier that prevents animals from straying into dangerous zones. It also helps safeguard biodiversity by protecting habitats from disturbance and preventing encroachment from predators or grazing species. In agricultural and development settings, fencing is used to deter wild animals from damaging crops, buildings, or sensitive worksites. Ultimately, well-designed wildlife exclusion fencing provides an effective barrier that balances human land use with the needs of the natural world.

Key Considerations Before Designing a Wildlife Fence

Before a single post is installed, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate the project site and determine the detailed fence type required, which should also give you a better idea of your wildlife fencing cost. This starts by identifying the wildlife species likely to interact with the site. Deer, foxes, badgers, amphibians, and smaller mammals each present different challenges, from jumping and climbing to digging or squeezing through small gaps. Each species’ needs inform the specifications for fence height, mesh size, and additional deterrent features like overhangs or buried wire.

The next step is to assess the existing boundary fences and terrain. Undulating land, dense vegetation, watercourses, and adjacent habitats all influence wildlife movement and, therefore, fence design. Retrospective fitting to poor-quality or unsuitable boundaries can reduce the effectiveness of fencing and require costly remediation.

Compliance with legal standards is also paramount. In the UK, this includes planning regulations, wildlife protection legislation, and guidance related to the use of linear corridors and habitat fragmentation. Working with ecologists, land managers, and experienced fence constructors will help ensure that all designs meet the appropriate standard while accounting for the ecological and operational context of the project.

Understanding Wildlife Behaviour and Movement Patterns

An effective wildlife fence must account not only for the species present but also for how those animals behave. Different wildlife species interact with barriers in vastly different ways, and overlooking these differences can result in ineffective solutions.

Deer

Deer, for example, are powerful jumpers. To keep deer safely within or outside of one area, fencing must reach a minimum height of 1.8 to 2.4 metres. In high-pressure areas, where deer are highly active or food is particularly abundant, designs may require double fencing or top overhangs to prevent jumping.

Predators

Foxes and badgers, by contrast, are skilled diggers. For these species, fences must be buried at least 300 mm into the ground or angled outward to prevent tunnelling. Badger-proof fencing often includes reinforced mesh and, in some conservation zones, electrified components to deter more determined animals from breaching the perimeter.

Smaller Animals

Small creatures such as newts, voles, and amphibians present different challenges. These animals require fencing that prevents access without causing harm or restricting their ability to find shelter. Low fences with fine mesh, escape gaps, or one-way gates are often used around development zones or roadways to keep these animals safe during construction and migration.

Seasonal and migratory patterns must also be considered. Some species may only be active at certain times of the year, requiring flexible or temporary fencing solutions to allow free movement outside of critical periods. Understanding these patterns is essential to ensure that fencing supports, rather than disrupts, biodiversity.

Types of Wildlife Fencing and Their Applications

Deer Fencing

Deer fencing is commonly used in forestry, along road networks, and in agricultural settings. The key feature of deer fencing is its height, a deer fence height guide is typically between 1.8 and 2.4 metres. High-tensile wire mesh is often supported by robust timber posts to resist pressure from pushing or leaning. In areas of particularly high deer traffic, fences may incorporate additional deterrents such as visual barriers, electrified wires, or double rows of fencing to create a psychological and physical obstacle.

Small Mammal and Amphibian Fencing

For smaller wildlife species, the goal is often protection rather than exclusion. These fences tend to be low in height but require precision in installation. Buried mesh or ground skirts prevent digging underneath, while the mesh size itself is small enough to stop creatures slipping through. These systems are widely used during development projects, such as housing or road building, where wildlife needs to be temporarily redirected to protect populations and habitats.

Predator-Exclusion Fencing

When the priority is keeping wildlife out, particularly predators, more aggressive strategies may be needed. Foxes, badgers, and similar species may require fences with overhangs, buried wire, and sometimes electrification to provide an effective deterrent. This type of fencing is often seen around protected wildlife reserves, nesting areas, and farming operations where safeguarding livestock is essential.

Related Reading: Deer Fencing vs Stock Fencing: What’s the Difference?

Temporary vs Permanent Wildlife Fencing

Choosing between temporary and permanent wildlife fencing depends on both the project duration and ecological impact.

Temporary fencing is often used for construction or conservation work that affects wildlife habitats only for a defined period. These fences must still meet a high standard of construction to ensure animals are not harmed, but they are designed to be easily removed or relocated.

Permanent fencing, by contrast, is intended for long-term wildlife management or exclusion. Materials must be highly durable, capable of withstanding weathering, animal activity, and time. For these installations, it’s vital to choose a detailed fence type that fits the local context while supporting the long-term aims of biodiversity and landscape management.

Wildlife Fencing Alignment: Best Practices

A wildlife fence is only as effective as its alignment. Following the natural contours of the land ensures fewer gaps between the fence and the ground, making it more difficult for animals to pass underneath. Aligning fencing in harmony with the landscape also helps maintain ecological balance by minimising disruption to wildlife corridors.

Fencing roadsides, for instance, should always be designed in conjunction with underpasses or overpasses that allow animals to cross safely. These integration points are particularly important in areas where roads intersect with known migration paths or habitats.

Safe crossing points not only reduce roadkill but also help prevent the fragmentation of habitats, which can lead to population declines in certain species. In some cases, fencing may need to be rerouted or incorporate designated gaps with one-way escape features to ensure non-target species can move freely.

Installation: Working With Expert Fence Constructors

• Wildlife fencing is a specialist area that requires the skills of experienced fence constructors to meet both technical and ecological standards.
• Professional installers ensure:
  • Correct post depth for long-term stability, especially in soft or shifting soils.
  • Appropriate wire mesh selection based on target species’ size and strength.
  • Additional features such as:
    • Anti-dig skirts to prevent burrowing.
    • Anti-climb overhangs to stop climbing species.
• Installers follow material and spacing standards to maintain structural integrity and ensure the fence functions as a reliable barrier.

Long-Term Maintenance and Monitoring

• Wildlife fencing must be regularly inspected to maintain effectiveness over time.
• Potential issues include:
  • Rotting or loosening fence posts.
  • Sagging, torn, or damaged mesh.
  • Weaknesses in gates or other access points.
• Suggested maintenance schedule:
  • At minimum, quarterly inspections.
  • More frequent checks in high-risk zones or peak seasons for wildlife movement.
• Maintenance should include:
  • Immediate repair of visible damage.
  • Monitoring of wildlife interactions to identify stress points in the fence.
• Ongoing collaboration with wildlife experts and land managers helps:
  • Adapt to shifts in animal behaviour.
  • Respond to new conservation or regulatory requirements.
  • Update fence design and reinforcement strategies accordingly.

Balancing Conservation With Access and Land Use

One of the most complex aspects of wildlife fencing design is balancing the need to control wildlife with the imperative to maintain ecosystem connectivity. While it may be necessary to keep certain animals out of one area, that doesn’t mean isolating habitats or cutting off access to food and shelter.

Escape routes, wildlife crossings, and selective permeability should always be factored into fence design, particularly in areas supporting different wildlife species. Without these considerations, fencing can unintentionally trap animals or block the movement of non-target creatures.

Where possible, theoretical guidance on wildlife behaviour should be paired with site-specific advice to ensure a balanced and humane approach to wildlife management.

Next Steps

Designing wildlife fencing is a complex task that demands attention to detail, ecological understanding, and technical expertise. From identifying the species involved and assessing terrain to selecting the right fence type and ensuring proper alignment, each element contributes to a functional and responsible solution.

In the UK, County Fencing is a prominent supplier of specialised fencing, fencing equipment, and fencing installation services. We will be pleased to offer advice on any fencing needs you may have, with an emphasis on specialised applications and the best fencing equipment available.

We can advise on the application of deer fencing, fox fencing, badger fencing and more.

Need help finding the right fencing? Contact us today for a free quote or use our perimeter calculator to estimate your needs!

FAQs