NFU advice on preventing access to farmland

Published 29 June 2021

Environment
Rural crime thief breaking into farm

Denying criminals the ability to commit crime on farmland or associated property, poaching, theft, hare coursing or joyriding for example, seems like an obvious approach to take. However, there are a number of issues to consider before carrying out plans to protect your property.

Some methods, including digging ditches around a perimeter of a field or compound or putting barriers such as logs, old machinery and even reinforced gates and special barriers in front of access points have become an increasing trend to deter would-be criminals.

The NFU has put together a briefing to guide members on appropriate forms of access restrictions.

It covers:

  • Existing initiatives
  • Land management scheme considerations
  • Environmental considerations
  • Planning considerations
  • Rural Payments Agency (RPA) guidance on the creation of ditches

NFU members: Download our briefing on preventing access to farmland

This briefing is available to NFU members only and you will be asked to log in.

How to log in: Use your membership number or the email address associated with your membership to log in. If you've forgotten your password, you can click here to reset it or contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.

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