Fencing off rivers has been an aspect of WUF’s work for many years. If not managed proactively, livestock access can lead to over grazing of river and stream banks.
Unrestricted grazing prevents mature vegetation from establishing so the banks are more easily destabilised. When combined with stock climbing up and down the banks to drink, significant quantities of soil can be lost as well as nutrients from faeces entering directly in to the stream.
Fencing stock out and providing alternative drinking water allows vegetation to recover. It also improves animal welfare through reduced exposure to waterborne diseases, liver fluke and lameness.
