Content
- Is fencing a meadow allowed?
- Obtain legal conditions before fencing
- Why am I not allowed to build a fence on my own property?
- How can you fence a meadow?
- Tips & Tricks
Is fencing a meadow allowed?
If you use your meadow or protect against unauthorized entry and therefore want to fence in, you should first inquire with the responsible building authority for any necessary approval. Not every meadow land may be provided with a solid fence.
Obtain legal conditions before fencing
Meadows that are located in the interior of a place and within a yard (eg allotments) may be provided with a fixed fence without official approval. The legal situation is different, however, if the meadow land lies outside. Unless you are a full-time farmer yourself, you must not build a permanent fence. An enclosure is considered to be an officially approved construction project, provided that the fence is firmly connected to the ground via foundation and pedestal. Of course, you can submit a request for approval, which in many cases will not be granted.
Why am I not allowed to build a fence on my own property?
Meadow land in the outer area (ie outside of a place) may not be fenced mostly for reasons of wildlife, because the animals can get caught in a solid fence. This is especially true in nature or landscape conservation areas. In the case of a meadow orchard, provided that it has received public funding, there is also a prohibition on fencing - for the reason that this meadow financed by taxpayers' money must remain open to the public.
How can you fence a meadow?
Unless you are allowed to set a permanent fence, but still have to fence your lawn for example to keep sheep or horses, you can fall back on movable fences. Such electric fences can be set up and taken down very quickly, are therefore not considered as construction projects and are therefore free of approval. Instead of using a simple, usually poorly visible electric wire, it is best to use a wide, colored (white) electrical steel band or a colored electric cord. These are clearly better for humans and animals, so that the risk of accidents is reduced. A battery powered fencer or a generator provide the necessary power. Furthermore, it is required by law to affix an information sign at a clearly visible location.
Tips & Tricks
Instead of using a solid fence, you can also resort to more creative access barriers that make unauthorized entry into your property difficult. Instead, thick tree trunks are easy to lay out - these are a barrier for humans, but not for wildlife.