FG14: Badger gate
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the badger gate item.
This item is part of Capital Grants. You must read the Capital items: guidance for applicants and agreement holders to understand the rules and how to apply.
How much you’ll be paid
£61.81 per gate.
How this item benefits the environment
It reduces the damage badgers can cause to fence lines installed to protect habitats.
This item can help you protect, recover and improve biodiversity on your land.
Where you can use this item
You can use this item only on badger routes that are in use now and are restricted by a new fence line
You can also use as part of a Woodland Tree Health Grant with either:
FG4: Rabbit fencing supplement
FG5: Fencing supplement - difficult sites
You cannot use this item in:
- existing fence lines that have already been erected
- newly erected fences supporting wet grasslands for breeding waders
What you must do to use this item
You must:
- use wood treated with a non-toxic, low odour and preservative product
- make sure no nails or rough sawn edges are left exposed
- fit the gate frame and floor block into the fence, stapling the wire to the wooden frame
- sink the frame into the ground until the floor block sits at ground level
You must either:
- allow a period for the badgers to use the open gate and then fit the wooden flap, holding it at the top on a pivot so it can open and close freely both ways
- fit the flap with the rest of the gate and hold it open with wire until the badgers start using the gate regularly
You must also construct the badger gate to the following dimensions (in millimetres):
- lap – 250 millimetres (mm) by 200mm by 40mm
- lintel – 285mm by 40mm by 40mm
- floor block – 205mm by 40mm by 40mm
- 2 uprights – 450mm by 40mm by 40mm
Evidence you must keep
You must keep photographs of the completed work and provide with your claim.
You must also keep and provide on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- photographs of the existing site before work starts
- the item specification (if required)
Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.
Advice to help you use this item
The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.
Choosing a site
Before putting up a fence, check the proposed fence line carefully for badger runs or paths. Runs are most clearly visible during the spring. This is when badger activity is high, and vegetation is not at full height. Well-used paths are often distinct and relatively clear of vegetation because of repeated trampling.
Before installing the gate:
- cut a gap in the netting approximately 200mm wide by 300mm high where the fence crosses a badger run
- leave the gap open until badgers are regularly using it
- cut extra holes in any places along the fence where damage occurs (for extra gates to be installed)
You should install the gates in the gaps once badgers have become used to the fence.
Find out how to avoid harming badgers and whether a licence is needed.
Maintaining the gate
Check the gate regularly to make sure it does not become blocked or fall into disrepair.
British Standards
Check to make sure the work meets relevant British Standards.
Updates to this page
Published 2 April 2015Last updated 7 November 2023 + show all updates
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Removal of text confirming FG14 Badger gate availability under Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants (SFI pilot), as the SFI Capital offer is no longer available.
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'Where to use this item' section updated to include detail on SFI pilot.
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Page updated to show latest record keeping
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Capital item now includes woodland.
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Updated for 2017 applications.
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Information updated for applications in 2016.
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First published.