[MikeM]

sorry if this has been covered, I did search but my googlefoo is weak.
 
We desperately need to keep bambi out of out vege patch this year (lost about half of most things to them last year) and was wondering what are my options.
I've seen specialist deer fencing, the plastic netting stuff and that is the most expensive option. If I do go for this, what height should I be looking at?
The cheapest option would be either strained wire or barbed wire (this would be cheapest of all as we already have about 100m of the stuff). Would this be adequate to keep the pesky things out?

[bloomer]

the plastic mesh at 6ft high should keep most southern breeds of bambi out... it is light so can go on 2 inch round posts with 4 inch rounds as the strainers, it works out about 3 pounds a metre for materials if you can install yourself it needs a light top and bottom wire and hanging with hog rings, the net is pre stretched so really easy to tension once hung.


I see the roe deer up here hoping 4ft wire fences like they just aren't there...

[MikeM]

thanks bloomer.

[bloomer]

also dont forget as the plastic is so light you can space your posts out further up to 4m in solid ground.

[MikeM]

good point, hadn't thought of that. Will save a bit of money (the ground here is certainly solid).

[bloomer]

depends on how big your veg patch is but this is where i buy from


http://www.farmforestry.co.uk/deerfencing.html


it also makes great chicken fencing if you have any spare!!!

[KathyEck]

It should have height of 7 to 8 feets and it should be angled outwards.

[doganjo]

The Forestry Commission have it sussed - go and see what they do.

[oor wullie]

Red and Sika will need a 2m high fence.  Other species should be kept out by about 1.5m.
It is also possible to use a double fence.  A normal stock fence with an second fence (which could be a little as a single strand of wire depending on species) about 1m away (on the outside) which makes it pretty difficult for them to jump.

I have to fence everything if it is to grow so the garden has normal rabbit netting then a further 3 strands of wire spaced about 30cm above it.  The wire all hangs slack as one of the corner posts got broken by my neighbours tractor and I haven't fixed it properly but no deer has ever gotten through it.

Alternatively, a 1/4 inch piece of lead travelling at speed might help.