Watercourse Fencing and Infrastructure

STEPS-PRO1

 

  • 50% of cost, up to £3,000
  • One-off payment)
  • 5 Year Agreement

Why is this good for water quality?

This option aims to prevent livestock from entering watercourses, where their manure can introduce nutrients, pathogens like cryptosporidium, and other water quality risks.

Keeping livestock away from watercourses also prevents poaching, allows the natural bankside vegetation to redevelop, and further reduces soil erosion. 

Why is this good for my farm?

Proper watercourse fencing can help farmers meet their regulatory obligations whilst also improving grazing efficiency by guiding livestock away from sensitive areas. It reduces land erosion and protects the riparian zone, supporting natural flood management.

Over time, this encourages greater biodiversity and contributes to a healthier, more resilient farm landscape. 

Option Specification:

Evidence Requirements:

Evidence to Apply 

Evidence to Claim 

Maps - of where the work is proposed, including the size of the field being separated from the watercourse and also the length of the planned fencing  

Photos - representative of the full length of the option installed 

Stock numbers (as GLU)  

Invoices for the materials or contracting work 

Before photos - representative of the full length of the option to be installed and ideally showing stock in the field  

Annual data collection form 

Quotes for the materials or contracting work  

 

Risk map highlighting areas of compaction and poaching and /or EA ALERT tool mapping to show the location of watercourses being protected  

 

Written plan of how stocking is reduced in poor conditions  

 

What should I do if I want to apply?

If you would like to apply: