Forest 6' x 6' Europa Plain Pressure Treated Decorative Fence Panel (1.8m x 1.8m) - Click HERE to View
Wildlife-friendly fencing serves as a charming embellishment to our green spaces and an important safeguard for the diverse wildlife that shares our gardens. Choosing the appropriate materials and design is vital for seamless blending into the natural environment and providing a safe place for all creatures to thrive. Selecting the right balance between beauty, security and responsibility while enhancing our landscape is much easier when you know how. This blog will help you choose the best fencing materials for all gardens and gardeners.
Note: In this article, we are discussing wildlife fencing for gardens and not focusing on fencing such as used in farming or badger fencing that would be used on roads. The focus here is on how to add decorative fencing that wildlife will love in gardens.
Materials for decorative fencing
The choice of materials is paramount when creating fencing for wildlife. Decorative wooden panels remain a classic and versatile option, easily integrated into garden settings, providing a sturdy barrier designed to allow safe passage for domestic animals and wildlife. With so much to consider, we discuss the value of bamboo and recycled plastic fencing.
Bamboo offers a sustainable alternative to hedges; it multiplies and requires minimal resources to survive. Recycled plastic or composite fencing is an innovative solution, turning waste into durable fencing that is better placed to withstand the elements while helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste plastic. Wood, bamboo and composite fencing play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, which in turn contributes to the protection of wildlife in our gardens and outdoor spaces.
Wooden fences
Wooden fence panels offer a natural aesthetic that doubles up as fencing for wildlife. Timber fencing like Forest 6’x6’ pressure treated contemporary fence panels harmonise with outdoor spaces, gardens and patios to protect both the wildlife and the property occupier. Decorative wooden fencing is specially designed with smooth surfaces and appropriate gaps to allow safe passage for small animals. Using wooden fencing balances durability and ecology - you could say it is where function meets form in a wildlife-friendly way.
Bamboo fences
Bamboo fences are widely celebrated for their sustainability and carbon-absorbing qualities, which alone make them an eco-friendly choice. Bamboo is a natural, robust material because it is insect resistant and offers a unique natural aesthetic that blends well into even the most urban or industrial landscape. Thoughtful design can include adding bamboo in strategic gaps in wooden or stone fencing.
Recycled plastic fences
Recycled plastic or composite (a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibres) fences offer fencing for wildlife with built-in low maintenance longevity that resists rot and insect damage and is ideal for coastal or extreme weather conditions. Manufacturers of recycled plastic fencing pride themselves on wildlife-friendly designs that mimic nature. While composite fences might lack the warmth and depth of natural materials, careful sourcing may reveal choices that surprise you.
Avoid barbed wire fencing
Modifying old, barbed wire fencing to be more wildlife-friendly is also crucial. It is important to use non-barbed wire for the top strand to prevent entanglements, especially for flying and gliding animals.
5 wildlife-friendly fencing design options
Creating a wildlife-friendly oasis is a delightful way to promote nature. Decorative fencing can be more than just a barrier or boundary around your home; it can be a lifeline for local wildlife, flora and fauna. A fence with a wildlife friendly design significantly impacts animals' daily activities and helps them to coexist with their wild neighbours. Such fencing enhances habitat connectivity and contributes to biodiversity in local ecosystems. Explained below are five fencing for wildlife ideas that not only look good but invite wildlife into your sanctuary:
1) Hedge fencing
A living hedge provides a lush, natural barrier offering many creatures food and shelter. Native hedgerows can serve as natural borders that enhance wildlife-friendly environments and contribute to the conservation of local ecosystems. Birds can nest, insects can thrive hidden by the leaves, and small animals can hide from the rain. There are several kinds of living hedges; boxwood, laurels, conifers, and privets are popular choices for wildlife fencing. While many choose hawthorn as a barrier to intruders, it is surprising how many tiny creatures use its barbs to protect them from larger prey.
2) Wooden fence with gaps
A decorative wooden fence with horizontal gaps is a great choice for gardens rich in wildlife. Small mammals and reptiles can move freely through the gaps, and insects like the trellis-like features to create webs and nesting zones in unlikely places. Wildlife fencing panels like this allow fauna to move freely between gardens without compromising privacy or security.
3) Chain link with climbing plants
Chain-link fences are a controversial choice, but they become much more animal-friendly when they are covered in climbing plants. Some of these could be flowering plants, which are crucial in providing food and shelter for various wildlife species, supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Chain-linked fences draped with climbing plants create a vertical garden that attracts butterflies and insects while providing nesting sites for birds. The open weave is unsuitable for larger animals (sheep or goats) but allows wildlife to move freely between open spaces.
4) Living willow fence
Living willow fence is the perfect fencing for wildlife. This historic eco-friendly option is an art form that takes years to master. Incorporating a living fence by planting native shrubs, trees and flowering plants can significantly enhance the wildlife-friendliness of a garden by providing food sources, nesting sites, and shelter for various wildlife species.
Creating a living willow fence
Creating a living willow fence involves weaving willow branches to form a fence. Here is a condensed version of creating a willow fence.
To plant stems for a willow fence, make holes with a screwdriver and insert the willow rods 30cm deep in the ground. For stability, weave four rods together every two meters. Plant half the willow rods at a 45° angle, 25cm apart, and the rest in the opposite direction to interlace them. Tie the rods at the cross point to encourage grafting. Prune new shoots to thicken the fence. Willow fencing is an art, so it might be best to seek professional advice.
5) Picket fence with ground clearance
A classic picket fence with enough ground clearance is a practical choice that gives hedgehogs and other ground dwellers access while lending a traditional and charming aesthetic to your garden.
Each design offers a unique benefit to wildlife, from nesting sites to easily accessible food sources and safe passage through your land to others. The top picks above are fencing for wildlife that ticks all the boxes.
Should exclusion fences be used?
Exclusion fences, while effective in protecting specific areas like gardens and hay bales, can impact both target and non-target wildlife, necessitating careful consideration to balance their benefits and costs.
Additionally, exclusion fencing can have potential negative effects on other species, creating barriers to migration and necessitating careful consideration of their mitigation routes.
Acts of Parliament about fencing for wildlife
To gain an overview of regulations and guidelines for wildlife protection in fencing, refer to these three Acts of Parliament:
Influential organisations for wildlife fencing
In the UK, we are lucky to have a diverse range of organisations dedicated to wildlife conservation. These dedicated entities provide guidance on garden fencing for wildlife that supports biodiversity. This advice helps us bolster rather than hinder the natural world. Here are eight dedicated organisations that contribute to this mission.
1) Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
The RSPB actively campaigns for bird-friendly gardens, suggesting fencing options that accommodate all forms of bird life. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds emphasises the importance of fences that allow movement, with living fences (hedges) at the top of their preferred list. Decorative fencing such as the Forest 6'x6' Paloma decorative fence panel encourages nesting and ensures birds can thrive equally well in rural and urban settings is also possible.
2) Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
The RSPCA focuses on the welfare of all animals, including wildlife. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends fencing that prevent animal harm. Fencing for wildlife must include bird, insect, and animal-friendly materials such as decorative wooden fence panels and living hedges. The RSPCA has concerns about how easily animals can get caught up in metal chain-style fencing or any fencing with spikes or barbs.
3) The Wildlife Trusts
With over 46 recognised trusts across the UK, wildlife trusts advise creating living landscapes with wildlife-friendly boundaries. Their individual goal is to ensure new fencing harmonises with local ecosystems, and their joint goal is to offer safe routes for British wildlife. The Wildlife Trusts recommend exclusion fencing to mark property boundaries and control the movement of animals, including wildlife.
4) Natural England
Natural England is the government's advisor on the natural environment. It provides domestic and commercial fencing guidelines that protect and enhance the natural environment to aid biodiversity. Natural England aims to support the coexistence of manufactured structures by guiding people on wildlife's continued well-being.
5) Scottish Natural Heritage (NatureScot)
Scottish Natural Heritage offers guidance and support on managing wildlife in Scotland. Their range of advice includes managing deer and other animals that live in the highlands. NatureScot also helps Scottish people understand the impact of wildlife in urban settings and offers creative advice that balances the needs of birds, animals, and landowners.
6) Bat Conservation Trust
The Bat Conservation Trust works hard to protect bats and their habitats. The BCT offers advice on fencing options that do not obstruct bats’ natural flight path, block entrances to their breeding grounds, or prevent the continued proliferation of these not always popular nocturnal creatures.
7) Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC)
The ARC is committed to conserving amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts) and reptiles (lizards and snakes). The trust provides habitat information on boundaries that protect these species and allow them freedom of movement. Fencing around ponds and larger open spaces can be tricky, but plenty of decorative fence options can nurture and protect British lizards and snakes.
8) Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly-Conservation.org advocates for butterfly and moth-friendly environments. They recommend wildlife fencing that supports the lifecycle of these beautiful insects. Butterfly Conservation also recommends climbing structures such as trellis and open-plank decorative fences that make it easy for caterpillars to rest and create their cocoons, which is essential for their short lifecycle.
Each organisation plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the UK’s rich wildlife heritage by offering expertise that helps gardeners install fencing that serves as a gateway rather than a barrier to every kind of bird, insect and animal.
Final thoughts
Decorative wildlife-friendly fencing marries form with function, offering visually pleasing boundaries that protect wildlife. Choosing the right fencing is all about informed choices, selecting materials and designs that do more for conservation than just look good; it is about providing boundaries that offer protection for various fauna.
Blending beauty and conservation creates a welcoming space for both people and wildlife, promoting peaceful coexistence in our outdoor areas.
Contact us
We want to discuss wildlife-friendly fencing with you and provide all the information you need to make the right decisions about your animal and bird-friendly decorative fence options. Buy Fencing Direct has many decorative fencing options, useful accessories and a selection of garden buildings. Choose from our selection of decorative fencing panels for a combination of durability and style.
Do you want to chat about our decorative fencing? Why not call us at 0333 003 0515? Alternatively, you can email us through our contact page. Real-time conversations are available when you click the pop-up at the bottom left corner of any page.