If you want to use your meadow or protect it from unauthorized access and therefore fence it in, you should first inquire with the responsible building authority about any necessary permits. Not every meadow property can simply be provided with a fixed fence.
Find out legal conditions before fencing
Meadows that are located in the inner area of a place and within a courtyard (e.g. allotment garden) may be provided with a permanent fence without official approval. However, the legal situation is different if the meadow property is outside. Unless you are a full-time farmer yourself, you may not erect a permanent fence. An enclosure is considered to be a building project that requires official approval if the fence is firmly connected to the ground via the foundation and base. You can of course apply for a permit, although in many cases this will not be granted.
Why can't I build a fence on my own property?
Meadow plots in the outskirts (i.e. outside of a town) may not be fenced in for reasons of deer crossing, since the animals can get caught in a solid fence. This is particularly true in nature or landscape conservation areas. In the case of a meadow orchard, provided that it was subsidized with public funds, there is also a ban on fencing - for the reason that this meadow, which is financed from taxpayers' money, must remain accessible to the public.
How can you fence a meadow?
If you are not allowed to put up a permanent fence, but still need to fence in your meadow, for example to keep sheep or horses, you can use movable fences. Such electric fences can be erected and dismantled very quickly, so they are not considered construction projects and therefore do not require a permit. Instead of a simple electric wire, which is usually difficult to see, it is best to use a wide, colored (white) electric tape or colored electric cord. These are much easier to see for people and animals, reducing the risk of accidents. A battery-operated electric fence device or a generator provide the necessary electricity. Furthermore, it is required by law to put up an information sign in a clearly visible place.
tips and tricks
Instead of using a solid fence, you can also use more creative access barriers that make unauthorized entry into your property more difficult. Instead, thick tree trunks can be easily laid out - these represent a barrier for people, but not for wildlife.