Too often, landowners are using deer fencing as their main method of managing deer. Deer fencing is unsightly and causes a barrier to access, as well as to wildlife. More concerning still is the appearance of electrified fencing without adequate crossing points or information.
The public has a general right of access to most land, exercised responsibly. Planning permission is not required for fences under 6 feet high, but when erecting fences land managers must make adequate provision for public access. Gates or stiles should be provided at intervals, usually where paths cross the fence, but anyone approaching the fence at other points is usually faced with a detour to try and find the nearest gate. Therefore, there should be signs indicating the nearest gate fixed to the fence at regular intervals. This is particularly important for electrified fencing, which is impossible to cross unless at a fixed crossing point. Some stiles can be around 2 metres high, which pose quite an obstacle for many walkers - not to mention cyclists and horseriders. There could be a significant health and safety issue if tired walkers coming off a hill at the end of the day are faced with the barrier of an electrified fence with no way of knowing which direction to go in order to get to the nearest crossing point.
Have you come across new electrified deer fencing on the hills? Please let us know the location, on scotland@ramblers.org.uk.
Joint agency fencing policy
The Millden estate in Glen Esk, Angus, is erecting an electrified fence around the entire property in order to exclude deer and manage the estate for grouse. Apparently, the grouse currently in residence are badly affected by ticks, which deer can carry, and the estate wishes to optimise their grouse population. Brechin Ramblers group is engaging with the land managers on this issue.
North East Mountain Trust - Angus Deer Fence
