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Fences serve many roles on a homestead—keeping livestock in, keeping predators out, marking property boundaries, and providing privacy. However, in permaculture, we strive to make everything serve multiple functions. Well-designed permaculture fences can do much more than just create a barrier; it can become an integral part of the ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity, microclimates, and soil health.

In this podcast episode, we’ll explore both traditional and alternative fencing methods through the lens of permaculture. We’ll examine their ability to create edge, support wildlife, conserve resources, and integrate with natural systems.

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Why Permaculture Fences Matter

Beyond Just a Barrier

In nature, fences don’t exist—but edges do. In permaculture, we see fences as opportunities to create edge effects, where different ecosystems meet and biodiversity flourishes.

Well-planned permaculture fences can:

• Support pollinators and beneficial insects by integrating flowering plants.
• Provide microclimates that shelter sensitive crops.
• Act as a windbreak to protect gardens and pastures.
• Harvest rainwater or direct water flow with berms and swales.
• Reduce material waste by using sustainable or repurposed materials.

Traditional Fence Options with a Permaculture Focus

Many homesteaders still rely on traditional fences for their strength and durability. Here’s how to make them more permaculture-friendly.

1. Wooden Rail Fences (Split-Rail, Ranch)

One of the most traditional fencing styles, wooden fences are long-lasting and aesthetically natural.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Uses natural, renewable materials.
• Creates excellent edge habitat for climbing plants like grapes, peas, or runner beans.
• Works as a windbreak when combined with shrubs or hedgerows.
• Provides habitat for insects and small animals if left partially open.

Enhancements for Permaculture:

• Plant thorny bushes like rugosa roses along the fence for added security.
• Add nesting boxes for birds or beneficial insect hotels.

Best Uses: Livestock paddocks, perimeter fencing, orchard borders.

2. Woven Wire Fencing (Field Fence, Goat Fence)

Wire fencing is a cost-effective and highly functional way to keep livestock in and predators out.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Supports climbing plants like passionfruit or cucumbers, utilizing vertical space.
• Can be combined with hedgerows for a living fence effect.
• Creates edge habitat—birds and small mammals will use it for perching and nesting.
• Less visually obstructive than solid fences, allowing for air movement.

Enhancements for Permaculture:

• Train vining crops to grow on the fence.
• Pair with windbreak trees or shrubs to reduce harsh winds.

Best Uses: Garden fencing, small livestock containment (goats, sheep, chickens).

3. Electric Fencing (Rotational Grazing, Predator Deterrence)

Electric fencing is an efficient, lightweight solution for rotational grazing and predator protection.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Reduces materials and waste by using minimal infrastructure.
• Supports regenerative grazing by allowing animals to be rotated easily.
• Can be used temporarily, minimizing permanent land impact.
• Creates edge habitat as animals disturb the soil and encourage diverse plant regrowth.

Enhancements for Permaculture:

• Combine with mobile chicken coops to regenerate pastures.
• Use solar-powered chargers to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Best Uses: Cattle, pigs, poultry, silvopasture systems.

4. Chain Link Fencing

While not typically considered “natural,” chain link fences can be adapted into permaculture-friendly solutions.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Allows airflow and sunlight penetration, avoiding solid wind barriers that can cause turbulence.
• Creates microclimates when used as a trellis.
• Long-lasting and can be upcycled instead of being frequently replaced.

Enhancements for Permaculture:

• Train perennial vines like kiwi, grape, or hops along the fence.
• Add brush piles along the base for small animal habitat.

Best Uses: Urban homesteads, dog enclosures, secure livestock pens.

Alternative Permaculture Fences

For those looking for sustainable, regenerative options, these alternatives offer ecological benefits beyond traditional fencing.

5. Living Fences (Hedgerows, Green Barriers)

A living fence is created from closely planted trees, shrubs, or vines, which form a natural barrier over time.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Provides habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Acts as a windbreak and prevents soil erosion.
• Can produce food, medicine, or fodder for livestock.
• Requires minimal external inputs once established.

Best Plants for Living Fences:

• Temperate Climates: Osage orange, hawthorn, willow, hazelnut, elderberry.
• Tropical Climates: Gliricidia, moringa, cassava, pigeon pea.

Challenges: Takes time to establish a strong barrier.

Best Uses: Perimeter fencing, orchard windbreaks, privacy screens.

6. Wattle or Woven Branch Fences

A wattle fence is made by weaving flexible branches between upright stakes.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Uses local, regenerative materials.
• Provides wind resistance while allowing airflow.
• Offers an attractive, rustic aesthetic.

Best Materials for Wattle Fencing:

• Willow
• Hazel
• Maple
• Birch
• Water Sprouts pruned from Apple and Pear

Best Uses: Garden protection, small animal enclosures.

Old-Time Gates and Fences and How to Build Them (Dover Crafts: Building & Construction)

• Martin, George A. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 12/18/2013 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)

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Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Stone and Earth Berm Fences

A stone wall or earth berm can be a permanent and durable fencing solution that also modifies microclimates.

Permaculture Benefits:

• Retains heat, creating a warmer zone for plants.
• Acts as an impenetrable barrier for animals.
• Requires minimal long-term maintenance.

Best Uses: Orchard protection, arid climate homesteads, pasture separation.

Creating Edge with Fencing

A key permaculture principle is using edges effectively—and fences naturally create edge environments!

Ways to Maximize Edge on Your Fence

1. Grow edible climbers: Grapes, beans, hops, or kiwifruit.
2. Plant beneficial insect attractors: Wildflowers, milkweed, or native shrubs along fence lines.
3. Use fences for water management and erosion control: Slow runoff with dense living fences and berms.
4. Encourage bird habitat: Attach nesting boxes or allow shrub growth.

Choosing the Best Fence for Your Homestead

Final Thoughts

Fences are more than just physical boundaries—they are opportunities to create edge, biodiversity, microclimates, and productive landscapes. Whether you choose traditional fencing with permaculture adaptations or alternative natural fencing, thoughtful design can turn a simple fence into a multi-functional feature of your homestead.

Links Mentioned On The Podcast

Books

• Old-Time Gates and Fences and How to Build Them: https://amzn.to/3FNEzjm
• Fences, Gates & Bridges By George A. Martin: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fences-gates-and-bridges

Are you using permaculture fencing on your homestead? Share your experiences in the comments!