Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate fencing materials for post & wire, sheep netting, wooden panels or electric.
Fence Type
Project Details
Unit Costs — Post & Wire
Adjust prices to match your supplier quotes.
Fence Posts
0.330 per m → 33 posts
Wire (rolls)
0.025 per m → 3 rolls
Staples
5 per m → 500 eachs
Results
Materials only — labour and plant hire not included.
Materials Breakdown — Post & Wire, 100 m
| Item | Qty | Unit | £/Unit | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fence Posts | 33 | post | £8.00 | £264.00 |
| Wire (rolls) | 3 | roll | £40.00 | £100.00 |
| Staples | 500 | each | £0.05 | £25.00 |
| Gates | 1 | each | £250.00 | £250.00 |
| Total (ex. VAT) | £639.00 | |||
Treated Softwood Fence Posts
1.8m–2.4m treated posts — 75mm or 100mm diameter for stock fencing
Galvanised Plain Line Wire
High-tensile plain wire for post and wire stock fencing, sold in rolls
Barbed Wire (Galvanised)
2-ply galvanised barbed wire, 200m rolls for top strands on stock fencing
Galvanised Staples (Bulk)
Wire fencing staples — 40mm and 50mm for soft and hardwood posts
Fencing Pliers & Wire Strainer
Combination fencing pliers and tensioning tool for post and wire
Manual Post Knocker / Rammer
Sliding hammer post driver for driving round and square fence posts
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UK Farm Fencing Cost Per Metre — 2026 Reference
Typical materials and installed costs for the most common UK farm fencing types. Contractor rates include labour and basic plant — they do not include removal of old fencing, ground clearance, or specialist groundworks. Prices vary by region, terrain and post specification.
| Fence Type | Materials/m | Installed/m | DIY/m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post & Wire (5-strand) | £8–£18 | £20–£38 | £8–£18 |
| Sheep Netting (ring-lock) | £10–£22 | £24–£44 | £10–£22 |
| Wooden Panel (1.8m) | £35–£70 | £55–£105 | £35–£70 |
| Electric (temporary) | £1–£5 | DIY recommended | £1–£5 |
| Chestnut Paling | £12–£25 | £26–£45 | £12–£25 |
| Post & Rail (3-rail timber) | £20–£40 | £35–£65 | £20–£40 |
Indicative 2026 prices for mainland UK. Excludes VAT. Always obtain at least three supplier and contractor quotes before committing.
Choosing the Right Fence Type — UK Farm Guide
The right fence type depends on your livestock species, terrain, longevity requirements, and budget. Here is a practical guide to each main type with typical UK costs, installation tips and common mistakes.
The most common and economical field boundary fence on UK farms. Typically 4–5 strands of high-tensile plain wire with barbed wire on the top strand, on treated round posts at 3m spacing with straining posts at ends and corners. Cost varies significantly with post diameter, wire grade and ground conditions. Budget for heavier straining posts (125–150mm diameter) at every corner and gate.
Ring-lock or hexagonal netting fixed to treated posts. More material-intensive than post and wire but provides a complete barrier for smaller stock. Netting height is typically 90cm–105cm for sheep. The key to longevity is correct tensioning — netting that is insufficiently strained will sag and fail at the base. Straining posts at ends and corners must be substantially heavier than intermediate posts.
Pressure-treated timber panels on concrete or timber posts. The highest materials cost per metre but low ongoing maintenance. Panel life depends heavily on ground contact — concrete posts with gravel boards to keep panel bases off the soil significantly extend life. Avoid setting timber posts directly in concrete without a post-fix sleeve, as this traps moisture and accelerates rot.
By far the cheapest fencing option per metre for materials — the main cost is the energiser, which is a fixed cost regardless of fence length. Electric fencing effectiveness depends entirely on a good earth — poor earthing is the cause of most electric fence failures. A mains energiser is always preferable to battery where power is available. Size the energiser to at least 1.5× the fence length to maintain voltage under load.
Grant Funding for Farm Fencing — UK 2026
Several government and agri-environment schemes offer capital grants for farm fencing in the UK. The eligibility conditions and payment rates change annually — always check the current scheme supplement before applying.
England — Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants
Capital Grants pay for specific fencing items to achieve environmental outcomes — excluding livestock from watercourses, protecting hedgerows, and managing habitat. Grant rates per metre vary by fence type. Applications are made through the Rural Payments Agency. Fencing for livestock containment alone is not eligible — there must be an environmental purpose. Check the current CS Supplement for eligible items and payment rates.
England — Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
Some SFI actions include capital items — check current action availability on the Rural Payments Agency website. SFI is evolving rapidly and eligible items change between application windows. Hedgerow management and watercourse buffering actions may fund associated fencing. SFI actions can be combined with CS Capital Grants on the same farm.
Wales — Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)
The SFS is replacing Glastir in Wales and is likely to include capital items for boundary management and habitat fencing. Contact your local Farming Connect adviser or check the Welsh Government Rural Grants and Payments pages for current eligibility.
Scotland & Northern Ireland
Scotland's AECS (Agri-Environment Climate Scheme) and Northern Ireland's DAERA countryside management schemes both fund fencing for specific environmental purposes. Contact Rural Payments Scotland or DAERA for current payment rates and eligibility. Rates and eligible items differ from England and are subject to annual review.
Planning Permission and Legal Considerations
Most farm fencing does not require planning permission, but there are important exceptions that can result in enforcement action if ignored.
Permitted development for agriculture
Agricultural fencing for livestock management is generally permitted development and does not require planning permission. This applies to standard post and wire, netting, and electric fencing on agricultural land. The key condition is that it must be for agricultural purposes on land used for agriculture.
When you do need permission
Planning permission may be required for: fences over 1m high adjacent to a public highway; fences over 2m high elsewhere; any fence on a listed building curtilage; fences in conservation areas or AONBs where permitted development rights are restricted. If in doubt, contact your local planning authority — a pre-application enquiry is free in most LPAs.
Public rights of way
Fences must not obstruct public footpaths, bridleways or byways. Where a right of way crosses your land, you must leave an appropriate gap or gate. Gates on public footpaths must be easy for the public to use and must not require a key. Check your RoW obligations with the local highways authority before installing any fence near a recorded right of way.
Boundary disputes and ownership
Always establish ownership of a boundary before erecting a fence. Title deeds or Land Registry documents usually show which party owns (and is responsible for maintaining) each boundary. A 'T' mark on the inside of a boundary line indicates the ownership lies with that party. Erecting a fence on a boundary you do not own can result in a legal dispute. If in doubt, check with a solicitor before proceeding.