Game Bird Fencing & Netting Tips for Release Pen Security

Game bird fencing and netting often determine whether a release pen operates reliably or becomes a recurring problem. A pen may appear secure at first, yet a loose fence line, weak netting section, or poorly anchored edge can create an opening that predators eventually exploit.

When predators begin investigating a pen, activity around the boundary usually increases. Foxes may patrol fence lines repeatedly, while corvids and birds of prey may target exposed areas where birds gather near open edges. Pens without consistent fencing height or effective overhead cover can allow birds to concentrate in vulnerable areas, increasing stress within the flock.

A well-designed release pen reduces these risks from the outset. Strong fencing, properly installed netting, and regular inspection of vulnerable areas help keep birds contained and discourage predator access.

Why Secure Release Pens Protect Birds & Estate Compliance

Release pen security affects both bird management and regulatory compliance. Goverment guidance states that a licence is required when gamebirds are released within a Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, or within a 500-metre buffer zone around these sites [1].

If a release site lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Natural England consent may be required before releasing birds or carrying out activities such as building pens or feeding birds. This makes well-planned release pens an important part of responsible estate management.

Release density limits also apply. Under licence GL43, the maximum density is 700 birds per hectare within a SAC and 1,000 birds per hectare within the surrounding buffer zone.

Secure game bird fencing and netting help estates maintain clear pen boundaries and manage stocking levels effectively while remaining within these guidelines.

How to Choose Fencing & Netting That Protects Release Pens

Choosing suitable fencing and netting begins with the overall design of the release pen. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) explains that release pens provide protection from ground predators while birds adjust to life in the wild. As these pens are often permanent woodland structures, their layout and stocking levels influence both bird welfare and the surrounding habitat [2].

GWCT guidance recommends stocking no more than 1,000 pheasants per hectare, or 700 birds per hectare in sensitive woodland areas, and advises that release pens should cover no more than one third of the woodland area on a shoot.

Pen layout should also support bird welfare. Many pens include:

• One third open sunny areas.
• One third low escape cover.
• One third low roosting habitat.

This distribution encourages birds to spread out naturally and reduces crowding within the enclosure.

At ground level, durable materials are essential. Products such as Galvanised Weldmesh can reinforce vulnerable sections of fencing, while Stock Fencing provides a reliable perimeter when installed with properly spaced posts.

Overhead protection should match the enclosure’s size. Standard setups often use Game Bird Netting, while larger woodland pens may require heavier Gameflex Release Pen Netting. In areas where birds of prey are active, Anti-Predator Bird Netting can provide additional overhead protection.

Selecting fencing and netting suited to the pen layout helps maintain reliable release pens throughout the rearing season.

Install Fencing & Netting Correctly to Prevent Weak Points

Correct installation is essential because poorly fitted netting or unstable fencing can create weaknesses around a release pen. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) advises that netting should be fit for purpose, securely installed, and regularly maintained to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped [3].

When installing perimeter fencing, consistent post spacing and ground preparation help maintain stability. On woodland pens, uneven terrain or tree roots can create small gaps beneath the fence line. Clearing vegetation along the boundary helps maintain a continuous barrier.

Tools designed for proper wire tensioning also improve durability. Equipment such as Ratchet Wire Tensioners helps prevent sagging, while Metal Securing U Pins or J Pins anchor netting edges to the ground so predators cannot lift or dig underneath the barrier.

Routine inspection is equally important. Keepers should regularly check:

• Fence corners and gate entrances.
• Slopes or depressions beneath fence lines.
• Netting attachment points.
• Branches or debris weighing down netting.
• Electric fence connections.

Where electric fencing forms part of the setup, a Hotline P20B Buzzer Fence Tester can confirm that the system is delivering a consistent charge. Early repairs help prevent minor issues from becoming entry points for predators.

Extra Protection for Release Pens in High Predator Areas

Predator pressure can vary depending on the surrounding landscape. Release pens located near woodland edges, watercourses, or farmland boundaries often experience higher levels of animal movement. Monitoring these areas helps keepers identify activity patterns and respond before predators begin testing the pen.

Electric fencing is commonly used to reinforce the outer perimeter of release pens. When something like the DX200 Duo Electric Fencer with Earth Stake is installed correctly, it provides a short pulse that discourages animals from approaching the fence line without causing harm. Systems such as an electric predator deterrent can be positioned around vulnerable boundaries where foxes or badgers regularly travel.

Monitoring tools also help estates understand predator behaviour. A Spypoint FLEX-M Trail Camera allows keepers to see which animals are visiting the area and when they are most active. This information can help identify pressure points around the pen and guide further protective measures.

Where predator activity persists, estates may also use dedicated Vermin Control products to support wider management across the shoot.

Secure Release Pens Start with the Right Fencing & Netting

Release pens perform best when fencing, netting, and pen design work together. Pens that are carefully planned, stocked appropriately, and maintained throughout the season allow birds to settle and disperse naturally while reducing disturbance from predators or environmental pressures.

Collins Nets supplies durable netting and fencing solutions designed for professional game bird management, supported by more than 35 years of experience working with estates and farms. You can also explore our gamekeeping guides and Game Rearing Supplies for further practical advice.

Call 01308 485422 or use the contact form to discuss suitable fencing and netting solutions for your release pen setup.

External Sources

[1] GOV.UK, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Natural England, Gamebirds: Licences to Release Them: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gamebirds-licences-to-release-them

[2] The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Release Pens: https://www.gwct.org.uk/advisory/guides/woodland-conservation-and-pheasants/release-pens/

[3] The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), The Use of Netting to Stop Birds Nesting – What You Need to Know: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/the-use-of-netting-to-stop-birds-nesting