If you’ve ever had a ewe barrel through a sagging bit of fencing, or found a lamb grazing where it absolutely shouldn’t be, you’ll know this: sheep fencing isn’t something to compromise on. Whether you’re managing a handful of hardy Hebrideans or a larger lowland flock, the right netting is about more than just keeping them in. It’s about protecting your animals, maintaining control of your land, and giving you the peace of mind that your setup is doing its job, day in, day out.
Sheep might not jump fences like deer or test boundaries like goats, but underestimate them at your peril. Anyone who’s raised a flock knows they’ll lean, rub, and test fences out of sheer habit. Lambs are experts at slipping through gaps you didn’t know existed. Ewes have a knack for pushing down weak points with their body weight. And the whole lot will charge a fence if spooked or chasing fresh grass.
Predators and sheep worrying: a serious threat to your flock
When it comes to flock safety, one of the most overlooked but devastating risks is sheep worrying, often caused by out-of-control dogs. Even a single loose dog can cause panic, injury, or fatal stress, especially during lambing. And it’s not just dogs, foxes, especially in rural and upland areas, pose a real danger to young lambs. That’s why secure, well-installed netting is more than just a convenience, it’s a first line of defence. A strong fence won’t just keep your sheep in, it keeps threats out. Electric netting, in particular, sends a clear and effective message to would-be intruders.
Woven Wire Stock Fencing
This is the classic choice for good reason. It’s tough, dependable, and built to last. Woven mesh fencing, especially high-tensile types, holds shape beautifully even when sheep lean on it. When installed with strong timber or metal posts, it provides a rock-solid perimeter. Opt for designs with tighter spacing near the bottom, ideal for keeping curious lambs where they belong. It’s worth knowing that while installation takes a bit of effort, once it’s set up, it requires very little maintenance and offers dependable performance for years to come.
Electric Sheep Netting
Need more flexibility? Electric sheep netting is a fantastic option for permanent as well as temporary fencing. Especially if you're managing rotation, seasonal grazing, or temporary paddocks. It’s quick to put up, simple to move, and acts as both containment and deterrent. The zap isn’t harmful, but it is effective. Sheep learn fast, after one touch, they respect the boundary. It also keeps predators like foxes firmly on the outside. Best for versatility, temporary paddocks, and predator-prone areas. A helpful tip: choose netting with double-spiked posts for extra grip, which reduces sag and ensures better stability, especially on tricky or uneven ground.
Situation |
Recommended Fence Type |
Notes |
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Permanent paddocks or long-term use |
Woven Wire + Timber or Metal Posts |
Rock-solid and durable. Smaller gaps at base = lamb-proof. |
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Moving flock between pastures |
Electric Sheep Netting |
Easy to relocate, secure, and protects against predators. |
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Strip grazing or short-term fencing |
Non-electric Barrier Netting |
Quick to set up and move, ideal for temporary use. Add electrics for extra bite. |
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Lambing season or temporary pens |
Electric Netting with Close Mesh Spacing |
Keeps lambs safe, easy to reconfigure during peak seasons. |
Barrier Netting
Non-electric netting absolutely has its place. It’s a practical, cost-effective option for short-term setups, controlled environments, or dividing up space within a larger, secure boundary. Think of it as your go-to for quick fixes, like sectioning off a lambing area in spring or managing grazing rotations in a calm, low-risk field. But here’s the catch: on its own, it won’t hold up to a determined fox or a panicked ewe. Imagine a young lamb darting in the wrong direction, or a spooked ewe charging at full tilt, lightweight netting won’t stand a chance. And if a curious dog gets too close? Without that extra deterrent of an electric current, there’s nothing stopping it from testing the boundary. Non-electric netting works best when it’s part of a broader system, not your only line of defence.
Electric Sheep netting
Rotational grazing is a game-changer, it’s better for pasture health, supports parasite control, and keeps your flock engaged and well-fed. But it only works if your fencing moves with you. Electric netting makes this simple. It’s lightweight, packs down easily, and you can reshape your grazing zones in minutes. Perfect for keeping sheep focused where you want them, and out of where you don’t.
UK farms come with a diverse range of landscapes, from flat fields to hilly, boggy, or windswept terrain. Fortunately, with the right equipment, your netting can withstand all kinds of conditions. In softer ground, double-spiked posts and extra ground pegs can prevent slippage, ensuring stability. On slopes, it’s important to maintain even tension and add extra posts where needed to prevent sagging. In windy areas, opt for mesh with less surface area and reinforce with corner stakes for added durability. In wetter regions, choosing galvanised or coated netting is key, as the rust-resistant material will ensure longer-lasting protection, no matter the weather.
The best fencing does more than hold your sheep—it lets you walk away with confidence. When your netting is secure, you don’t have to second-guess every sound at night or check every hedge line in the morning. You know your animals are safe, your boundaries are sound, and your setup’s doing the job it was made for.
Sheep are smart enough to learn boundaries, if the message is clear. Electric netting delivers a safe, sharp reminder that the grass might not be greener on the other side. And when predators get a jolt, they rarely try again. The best sheep netting has:
We recommend 90 to 105cm for most situations. It’s high enough to discourage jumping but easy to manage.
Absolutely. It’s safe, humane, and effective. The pulse deters without causing harm.
If you’re using electric netting, opt for a design with smaller mesh at the base to stop lambs from slipping through.
Yes—either mains or battery-powered energisers. Some systems are solar-ready too.
Yes. Quality electric and woven netting holds up in all seasons. Just check your energiser regularly and clear snow from wires when needed.