Pest-Exclusion Fence

This highly specialised fence is designed to keep out all introduced mammals such as possums, rats, stoats, ferrets and cats. The fence stands around 1.9 metres high. It has stainless steel mesh so fine that not even baby mice can fit through the gaps. The mesh continues down to form a skirt at ground level that prevents animals from burrowing underneath the fence. On the top is a steel canopy that prevents climbers like cats and possums from climbing over the top. Outside the fence a clearance of four metres prevents pests from using neighbouring trees to leap across the top of the fence. An electronic surveillance wire along the top of the fence alerts sanctuary staff when anything hits the fence. The fence is closely inspected by volunteers on foot several times a week to check for damage that might allow pests through and compromise the safety of the ecosanctuary and its wildlife. Special culverts and water gates allow native fish to swim in and out of the ecosanctuary while preventing access by pest animals, even when the stream is in flood.