10 Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure

Maintenance of fencing: meshes and poles

To check

Poles are well-fixed to the ground and stable.
Mesh is not broken or deformed.
Mesh is well-fixed to the ground or to the protection against digging.
Mesh is well-fixed to the crossing structure walls or to screens.
Reinforcing mesh is well-anchored to the main mesh.
Intersections of fences with perimeter drainage ditches are well-protected to stop animals from entering.
Branches or other vegetation elements are not damaging the fence.

To do

Change any pole that is broken or damaged and fix any unstable posts.
Repair or replace broken or deformed meshes. Replace any anchorages to fix the mesh to the poles and/or to the ground that are corroded or broken.
Install reinforcement meshes or protection against digging by wild boar, rabbits or other target species when required. Anchor reinforcing elements to main fence and bury their bottom section into the ground.
Consider replacing the existing fence when its design or materials are inappropriate, and it requires considerable effort and cost to maintain.
Restrict access and/or educate and inform local stakeholders in case of repeated damage caused by people.
Regularly mow and prune bushes or tree branches to avoid fence damage. Maintaining a narrow corridor along the fence free of trees and bushes allows field crews to undertake maintenance tasks.

Minimum: once a year, just before seasonal migrations or periods when target species movements are increased.
Mowing and pruning vegetation should be scheduled according to local conditions.
More frequent inspection may be required in sections that are repeatedly damaged.
Additional inspections should be planned following floods, strong winds, snow or other adverse weather events.

Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure