If you want to use your meadow or protect it from unauthorized entry and therefore fence it in, you should first ask the responsible building authority about any necessary permission. Not every meadow property can simply be provided with a permanent fence.
What should I pay attention to if I want to fence in a meadow?
When fencing in a meadow, you should consider whether it is indoors or outdoors. A permanent fence is permitted indoors without a permit; outdoors, usually only mobile, electric fences may be used in order not to impede animal crossings.
Find out legal conditions before fencing
Meadows that are located in the interior of a town and within a yard (e.g. allotments) may be provided with a permanent fence without official approval. However, the legal situation is different if the meadow property is located outside. Unless you are a full-time farmer, you are not allowed to build a permanent fence. A fencing is considered a construction project that requires official approval as long as the fence is firmly connected to the ground via the foundation and base. Of course, you can submit a corresponding application for approval, although in many cases this will not be granted.
Why can't I build a fence on my own property?
Meadow properties in the outskirts (i.e. outside of a town) are usually not allowed to be fenced in for game crossing reasons, as the animals can get caught in a solid fence. This is particularly true in nature or landscape protection areas. In the case of a meadow orchard, provided it has been supported with public funds, a ban on fencing also applies - for the reason that this meadow, which is financed with tax money, must remain publicly accessible.
What can you use to fence in a meadow?
If you are not allowed to set up a permanent fence, but still need to fence in your meadow, for example to keep sheep or horses, you can use movable fences. Such electric fences can be assembled and dismantled very quickly, and are therefore not considered building projects and therefore do not require approval. Instead of a simple, usually difficult-to-see electrical wire, it is best to use a wide, colored (white) electrical tape or colored electrical cord. These are much easier to see for people and animals, reducing the risk of accidents. A battery-operated electric fence energiser (€47.00 on Amazon) ora generator provides the necessary electricity. Furthermore, it is required by law to display a sign in a clearly visible place.
Tips & Tricks
Instead of a solid fence, you can also use more creative access barriers that make unauthorized entry to your property more difficult. Instead, thick tree trunks can simply be laid out - these represent a barrier for people, but not for wild animals.
