Holding the Line: A Conversation on Vineyard Fencing
Protecting vines from wildlife is an increasing challenge for UK vineyards. Chris Buckley of VineWorks spoke with Tim Bennett of Tim Bennett Farm Fencing, who has over 50 years of experience.
CB: Hi Tim, tell us how you got started in fencing.
TB: In 1972, straight out of school, I worked on the Lock Estate. While at agricultural college, I fenced at weekends with a friend for local farmers to earn extra money.
In 1976, I went to New Zealand to broaden my livestock farming experience. The quality of fencing there, built to last 30 years or more, set the standard for me. I spent two years working with contractors, then a couple more in south-east Australia fencing and building stockyards.
When I came back to the UK in 1980, I carried on. I’ve been doing it ever since. One day I’ll get a proper job!
CB: How has wildlife pressure in the UK changed?
TB: Rabbits have always been an issue, mostly controlled by planting tubes. However, we installed rabbit fencing for one vineyard after a snowy winter enabled rabbits to reach vines above the tubes and cause damage.
Deer numbers have increased steadily since the late 1970s, accelerating in the 2000s. Badgers can also cause problems, particularly with low-hanging fruit.
CB: Are some sites more vulnerable than others?
TB: Not anymore. Even urban vineyards can suffer deer damage.
CB: How can growers identify animal damage?
TB: Rabbit damage is bark chewing, often all around the stem. In my experience, squirrel damage is unusual, but would look like bark stripping.
Deer damage is leaf and bud browsing, identifiable by height. You’ll also see pointed hoof marks (“slots”) and raisin-like droppings.
CB: How do ground conditions affect fencing?
TB: In the south-east, geology varies. Posts in chalk or sandstone may need less strutting than those in Wealden clay, which shrinks and heaves in drought.
Slopes are manageable with mechanical driving, but the key detail is making sure the bottom wire follows the ground. Undulations need dips and rise posts, or animals will get underneath.
CB: And access?
TB: Plan ahead. You need enough headland for turning, especially for sprayers. You wouldn’t believe how many times we have to go back to realign gateways to accommodate machinery not considered during installation.
CB: What systems and materials work best?
TB: A 6ft manufactured deer netting (typically 13/190/15 spec) will exclude UK deer.
We use treated softwood posts to National Highways standards rather than UC4. I avoid creosote for health and environmental reasons.
Sweet chestnut is used, though longevity varies; peeled lasts better than unpeeled. Charring the ground contact areas (“charcoaling”) will add years to strainer posts if you can afford it and have the patience.
Copper oil-treated posts are emerging as an alternative to creosote, with a 30-year guarantee. While I’m not a fan of steel posts, we do use them with reclaimed telegraph pole strainers.
CB: What determines lifespan?
TB: It comes down to posts and maintenance. Wire can last 30 years, but salt air or spray drift can cause premature rusting. Overgrowth, like brambles, can also pull fences down.
CB: Common mistakes?
TB: Incorrect post lengths, poorly built end assemblies, and inadequate tensioning. A loose fence won’t get tighter over time.
CB: What about gates?
TB: Attention to detail is key. Avoid gaps underneath or at the sides because smaller deer, like muntjac, will exploit any opening.
CB: What drives cost up?
TB: Changes in direction increase cost as each requires a strainer post, often with struts, which adds up on shorter runs.
Access is another factor. Mechanical post driving keeps costs down; hand digging is expensive and skilled labour can be hard to find.
CB: Any innovations?
TB: New post treatments, steel systems, and technologies like “no fence” collars exist. But for deer exclusion, a physical barrier remains the most reliable solution.
Effective fencing relies on planning, sound installation, and maintenance. Getting the basics right can mean the difference between ongoing losses and long-term vineyard security.
