Site visits and practical advice
We can inspect the proposed fence line, look for signs of rabbit activity and discuss the most appropriate installation method for the site.
Capital Grant Fencing
FG4 Rabbit Fencing Installation in Lincolnshire
Capital Grant rabbit fencing for farms, estates and rural land
Services Detail
Professional FG4 Rabbit Fencing Installation
MES Rural provides professional FG4 rabbit fencing installation across Lincolnshire, helping farmers, landowners, estate managers and rural businesses complete eligible fencing projects connected with the government’s Capital Grants scheme.
FG4 is a supplementary grant item used to add rabbit-proof mesh to an eligible main fence. It can help protect newly planted trees, habitats, crops and other environmental features from rabbit damage.
The supplement can be used alongside eligible FG1 standard fencing, FG2 sheep netting or FG3 permanent electric fencing. It cannot normally be claimed as a standalone fencing item.
From preparing the fence line to installing galvanised rabbit mesh, straining wires and ground-level protection, we provide a practical service tailored to your land and grant agreement.
We work throughout Lincolnshire, including Louth, Alford, Skegness, Hogsthorpe and the surrounding rural areas.
FG4 Rabbit Fencing
What Is the FG4 Rabbit Fencing Supplement?
FG4 is a supplement available through the government’s Capital Grants scheme. It provides a fixed payment towards the additional cost of installing rabbit-proof mesh alongside an eligible main fencing item.
FG4 can be used with:
Other combinations may be available through specific Higher Tier or Woodland Tree Health agreements.
FG4 is designed to control rabbits where they could damage environmental features or interfere with habitat management. It may be suitable where there is evidence of rabbit activity, such as significant burrowing, grazing or crop damage.
The supplement can help protect newly planted trees and woodland, reduce rabbit damage to habitats and vegetation, protect crops or establishing plants, support habitat restoration and management, prevent rabbits from passing through sheep netting, and strengthen ground-level protection along eligible fence lines.
Capital Grant Estimate
FG4 Rabbit Fencing Grant Calculator
Enter the proposed length of eligible rabbit fencing to see an estimated FG4 grant contribution.
Current 2026 FG4 payment rate: £5.65 per metre
Estimated Claim
£0.00
Enter your fence length to calculate the estimate.
FG4 is a supplement. It must be claimed alongside an eligible main fencing item, such as FG2 sheep netting. This calculator shows the FG4 contribution only and does not include the payment for the main fence.
Combined Grant Items
Using FG4 with FG2 Sheep Netting
FG2 sheep netting is designed to control sheep and other livestock, but standard sheep mesh may not prevent rabbits from passing through or underneath the fence.
Where rabbit protection is required and the project is eligible, FG4 can be added to FG2 sheep netting. This creates a livestock boundary with additional fine mesh at ground level to restrict rabbit access.
Under the 2026 payment rates:
| Grant item | Payment rate |
|---|---|
| FG2 Sheep Netting | £7.47 per metre |
| FG4 Rabbit Fencing Supplement | £5.65 per metre |
| Combined FG2 and FG4 contribution | £13.12 per metre |
| Fence length | FG2 contribution | FG4 contribution | Combined estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 metres | £747.00 | £565.00 | £1,312.00 |
| 250 metres | £1,867.50 | £1,412.50 | £3,280.00 |
| 500 metres | £3,735.00 | £2,825.00 | £6,560.00 |
| 1,000 metres | £7,470.00 | £5,650.00 | £13,120.00 |
These figures are estimates based on the published payment rates. The final payment will depend on the eligible length included in your agreement and the work being completed to the required specifications.
Grant Contribution
Current FG4 Payment Rate
Under the 2026 Capital Grants scheme, the payment rate for the FG4 rabbit fencing supplement is £5.65 per metre.
This payment is added to the contribution for the eligible main fence. It is not intended to fund a complete standalone fence.
For example, a qualifying 200-metre fence claimed under FG2 and FG4 could provide an estimated contribution of:
- FG2: 200 metres × £7.47 = £1,494
- FG4: 200 metres × £5.65 = £1,130
- Combined estimated contribution: £2,624
The grant contribution may not cover the full cost of materials, preparation and installation.
Grant Specification
FG4 Rabbit Fencing Requirements
FG4 rabbit fencing must meet the specification set out in the agreement and current government guidance.
The requirements include:
- Using galvanised 18-gauge hexagonal wire mesh
- Using mesh with a maximum size of 31 millimetres
- Attaching the mesh to two high-tensile spring-steel straining wires
- Positioning one straining wire at the top and one at the bottom
- Using galvanised netting rings to secure the mesh
- Burying the bottom edge of the mesh to a depth of at least 150 millimetres, or lapping it along the ground
- Laying any surface lap towards the direction of the rabbit threat
- Anchoring lapped netting at one-metre intervals
The rabbit mesh must be installed in addition to the eligible main fencing item. Where FG4 is combined with FG2, both the sheep netting and rabbit fencing must meet their respective specifications.
The exact materials and installation method should be checked against the current FG4 guidance before work begins.
MES Rural
How MES Rural Can Help
Grant-funded rabbit fencing must be carefully installed to prevent rabbits from passing through or underneath the fence. MES Rural can support your project from the initial site visit through to completion.
FG2 sheep netting and FG4 installation
Where both items are included in the agreement, we can install the main FG2 sheep netting together with the additional FG4 rabbit-proof mesh.
Fence-line preparation
We can prepare the working area while taking account of existing hedgerows, trees, tracks, watercourses, vegetation and uneven ground.
Rabbit mesh installation
We install the required galvanised hexagonal mesh, securing it to suitable top and bottom straining wires.
Buried or lapped mesh
Depending on the ground conditions and agreed approach, we can bury the bottom edge of the mesh or create an anchored surface lap facing the direction of the rabbit threat.
Straining wires and fixings
Suitable high-tensile spring-steel straining wires and galvanised netting rings can be used to support and secure the rabbit mesh.
Photographs and itemised invoices
We can provide photographs of the completed installation and clear invoices to help you maintain appropriate records for your claim.
Across Lincolnshire
FG4 Rabbit Fencing Projects in Lincolnshire
Our rabbit fencing service is suitable for a range of rural locations, including:
- Sheep farms and livestock fields
- Newly planted woodland
- Agroforestry projects
- Smallholdings and rural estates
- Habitat restoration areas
- Buffer strips and field corners
- Establishing trees and vegetation
- Sites affected by rabbit grazing or burrowing
Every site is different, so we assess the proposed fence line, evidence of rabbit activity, access and ground conditions before providing a quotation.
Before You Apply
Important Capital Grant Information
Applications for FG4 funding are made through the Rural Payments service. The applicant or agreement holder is responsible for:
- Confirming that the land and proposed work are eligible
- Applying for FG4 alongside an eligible main fencing item
- Obtaining any necessary permissions or consents
- Following both fencing specifications contained in the agreement
- Keeping the required photographs and financial records
- Submitting the completed claim to the Rural Payments Agency
MES Rural provides fencing quotations and installation services. We can also supply supporting photographs and invoices relating to our work. However, we cannot confirm eligibility or guarantee that an application or claim will be approved.
If you plan to combine FG4 with FG2 sheep netting, both items should be included within the relevant grant agreement before work begins.
Always read the current FG4 guidance, the FG2 sheep netting requirements and your individual agreement before arranging the work.
Request a Quotation
Get a Quote for FG4 Rabbit Fencing in Lincolnshire
If you are planning an FG4 rabbit fencing project, MES Rural can provide a site visit, practical advice and a clear installation quotation.
We can install FG4 rabbit-proof mesh alongside eligible fencing, including FG2 sheep netting, for farms, estates, smallholdings and rural sites across Lincolnshire.
Contact MES Rural to discuss your proposed fence line and arrange a quotation.
You can also explore our rural fencing services, agricultural and groundcare services and recent projects.
How It Works
Our FG4 Rabbit Fencing Process
Step 1
Initial Enquiry
Contact MES Rural with the project location, approximate fence length, main fencing item and any relevant grant or agreement information.
Step 2
Site Visit and Quotation
We can visit the site to assess the proposed fence line, ground conditions, existing boundaries and signs of rabbit activity.
Step 3
Agree the Work
We will provide a clear quotation outlining the proposed main fencing and rabbit-proofing work. You should check that the specification matches your grant agreement before confirming the installation.
Step 4
Rabbit Fencing Installation
Our team will install the agreed main fence and rabbit mesh carefully, including the required straining wires, fixings and ground-level protection.
Step 5
Supporting Records
Following completion, we can provide an invoice and photographs of the installed fencing for your project records.
Relevant Services
Related Capital Grant Fencing Services
FG1 Standard Livestock Fencing
Permanent post and wire fencing for livestock control, habitat protection and eligible rural land-management projects.
FG2 Sheep-Proof Mesh Fencing
Permanent steel wire mesh fencing designed for sheep control, managed grazing and environmental protection.
FG3 Permanent Electrified Fencing
Permanent mains-powered electric fencing for livestock management, sensitive boundaries and eligible rural projects.
Get Your ProjectStarted Today
Fill out the form below and let’s discuss how we can help with your agricultural & groundcare needs. Take a look at our latest projects to see the quality of our work and how we’ve helped local farms and landowners.
Recent Projects