Customer: Mike Hartnell, MH Nurseries / MDH Forestry Services Ltd
Location: Little Compton, Cotswolds
Sector: Commercial tree growing
MH Nurseries was founded to help restore woodlands where climate change and disease have taken a toll on tree cover. Mike needed a robust, low‑maintenance infrastructure that would protect young stock from deer and rabbits, withstand exposed conditions, and support trees from juvenile saplings through to larger trees.
“We’re building this nursery for the long term, so longevity was non‑negotiable. Fetra’s 40‑year guarantee made it a no‑brainer for us.”
Mike Hartnell
The Challenge
The nursery had a few clear requirements: a secure perimeter to exclude deer and rabbits; a long‑life structure that avoided creosote near young trees; a framework that allowed controlled flex in high winds; and adjustable support with multiple fixing points to space trees for airflow and reduce disease.
“Traditional timber lines start to loosen once there’s real wind sail on established trees. We wanted a system that holds the line and lets us fine‑tune tension in minutes.”
Mike Hartnell
The Solution
After discussions with StowAg’s fencing team, we designed a bespoke Fetra Metal Fencing system that combines wildlife protection with adjustable vine‑line support.
The perimeter was constructed using Fetra deer fencing at the required height to exclude deer, with rabbit netting fixed securely to the base to prevent burrowing damage.
The main framework is constructed from Fetra strainers and intermediate posts, which were installed by one of our recommended contractors, James Corbett. Custom bolt-on T-bars create double line wires spaced approximately 300 mm apart, which can be positioned low for young stock and raised as the trees develop to around 2 metres.
Results
The project resulted in a robust fencing system that can now be scaled across multiple nursery sites.
The structure has withstood strong winds with only minor tension adjustments needed to keep lines perfectly aligned. Over time, as the trees establish, the metal framework fades into the background, leaving the natural rows to take centre stage.
What’s Next
With a clear template set, MH Nurseries plans to add further Fetra bays annually, scaling to 10,000–25,000 trees per year across juvenile saplings through to standard grades.
“We’ve set the precedent now. As we grow the stock each year, we’ll keep adding Fetra lines—it’s the way forward for us.”
Mike Hartnell
Thinking about your next fencing project? We design, supply, and deliver bespoke Fetra systems across the UK. Get in touch with our fencing team here.