Stock Fencing Explained: What Is It and Where Is It Used?

If you own land, keep livestock or manage a smallholding, you’ll probably have come across the term stock fencing. But what exactly is it, what do all those numbers on the fencing rolls mean, and how do you know which type you need?

Stock fencing is one of the most widely used forms of agricultural fencing in the UK. It is designed to create a secure boundary and contain livestock, with different mesh sizes and specifications suited to different animals. And while it might look like a fairly simple wire fence, choosing the right specification matters.

What is stock fencing?

Stock fencing is a type of wire mesh fencing used primarily to contain livestock and divide or protect areas of land. It is generally made from galvanised steel wire and consists of horizontal wires crossed with vertical wires to create a series of mesh openings. The mesh is typically tighter towards the bottom, making it harder for smaller animals to push through or escape. The fencing is stretched between sturdy straining posts, with intermediate posts supporting the run of fencing between them.

It can be used on farms, smallholdings, estates, paddocks, woodland and other rural properties where a practical, durable boundary is required.

What do the numbers on stock fencing mean?

This is where stock fencing can look a little confusing. You may see specifications such as C6/90/30 or HT8/80/15. They aren't random numbers — they tell you important information about the fencing.

Generally:

• The letters describe the type or grade of wire. For example, HT means high tensile.

• The first number indicates the number of horizontal wires.

• The second number refers to the approximate height of the mesh in centimetres.

• The third number indicates the spacing between the vertical wires, also in centimetres.

So, for example, HT8/80/15 means high-tensile wire with eight horizontal wires, an approximately 80cm-high mesh and 15cm spacing between the vertical wires.

That final number is particularly important when you're trying to contain smaller animals. A tighter mesh gives them fewer opportunities to squeeze through.

Is all stock fencing the same?

No — and this is one of the most important things to understand. Different animals have different requirements, so agricultural fencing comes in a range of heights, wire gauges and mesh configurations.

Some common examples include:

Sheep fencing

Sheep fencing is generally around 90cm high, with relatively close spacing between the vertical wires.

A specification such as C6/90/30 has six horizontal wires, is approximately 90cm high and has 30cm spacing between the verticals. Heavier or high-tensile versions are also available.

The closer mesh towards the bottom is particularly useful for preventing sheep and lambs from pushing through gaps.

Pig fencing

Pig fencing typically has a tighter mesh than standard sheep fencing. A common specification is C8/80/15, with eight horizontal wires, an approximately 80cm height and 15cm vertical spacing.

The smaller openings make it much harder for pigs and smaller livestock to get through the fence.

Cattle fencing

Cattle fencing is generally taller and designed to withstand considerably more pressure from larger, heavier animals.

A common example is C8/11/30, approximately 1.15m high, with eight horizontal wires and 30cm vertical spacing.

The construction and strength of the entire fence are important here — not just the mesh itself. Cattle can lean against, rub on and push fencing, so proper posts, straining points and installation all matter.

Mixed livestock

If you have several types of livestock sharing an area, the fencing needs to be chosen around the smallest and most determined escape artist rather than simply the largest animal.

This is where getting the specification right from the beginning can save a lot of frustration later.

What is high-tensile stock fencing?

You may also come across HT, meaning high tensile. High-tensile wire is stronger than conventional mild steel wire and can be used to create strong fencing while potentially requiring fewer intermediate posts. However, it also puts greater demands on the straining points and needs to be installed correctly.

It isn't simply a case of choosing the strongest wire available and assuming it will be the best option. The fencing needs to be appropriate for the land, animals and intended use.

Where is stock fencing used?

Stock fencing is incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than simply surrounding a field. Common applications include:

Livestock fields and grazing areas - Creating boundaries for sheep, cattle, pigs and other livestock.

Smallholdings - A practical option where several different animals are kept across smaller areas of land.

Land division - Stock fencing can be used to divide larger areas into manageable grazing paddocks.

Woodland and estate land - It can help control livestock access to particular areas and protect sections of land where required.

Protecting newly planted areas - Fencing can be used to keep livestock away from young trees, planting areas and other vulnerable parts of a site. Government countryside stewardship guidance, for example, includes sheep netting as an option for protecting newly planted trees and other environmental features.

What about deer?

This is where choosing the right fencing becomes particularly important. Standard stock fencing isn't automatically suitable for deer. Deer are capable jumpers and can also exploit gaps underneath or within fencing, so dedicated deer fencing may be required depending on the species and purpose of the enclosure.

If deer are part of the equation, it's worth getting advice rather than assuming a standard stock fence will do the job. For more about deer fencing, have a look at our guide here.

Does the installation matter as much as the fencing?

Absolutely. Even the best-quality wire won't perform properly if the supporting structure isn't up to the job.

A stock fence normally includes:

• Straining posts at ends, corners and changes in direction

• Struts to help brace the straining posts

• Intermediate posts supporting the fence between the main strainers

• The wire mesh itself, correctly tensioned

• Suitable gates and access points

The ground conditions, terrain and length of the fence all affect how it should be installed. Government guidance for sheep netting, for example, specifies different requirements for straining posts, intermediate posts and their spacing depending on the fencing system being used.

This is why agricultural fencing isn't simply a case of putting some posts in the ground and rolling out some wire.

How do you choose the right stock fencing?

Start with the animal — not the fence. Ask:

What animals am I containing? - Sheep, cattle, pigs, mixed livestock and deer all have different requirements.

Are there young or particularly small animals? - If so, mesh spacing becomes especially important.

What is the terrain like? - Sloping, uneven or difficult ground may require a different approach to installation.

How permanent does the fence need to be? - The specification and materials should reflect whether you're creating a temporary division or a long-term boundary.

Will the fence need gates or vehicle access? - Access points need to be incorporated into the design rather than treated as an afterthought.

Are there other animals you need to keep out? - Deer, dogs and wildlife can all change the type of fencing you need.

Getting these details right before installation can make a significant difference to how well the finished fence performs.

Professional agricultural fencing in Essex

At Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing, we install agricultural fencing for farms, smallholdings, estates and landowners, and we have more than 20 years of experience in fencing. We can help you choose a fencing system based on the animals you're keeping, the land you're working with and what you need the fence to achieve — whether that's containing livestock, dividing grazing areas or protecting sections of land.

And there's another reason we're a little different: Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing is a not-for-profit business, with profits supporting Hopefield Animal Sanctuary. So when you invest in a professionally installed agricultural fence, you're also helping support the rescued animals at Hopefield.

Need agricultural fencing?

If you're planning a new stock fence, replacing an existing boundary or simply aren't sure which specification is right for your land, get in touch with Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing to discuss your requirements.

The right fence starts with understanding what you need it to do.