Bouquet of Barbed Wire

Barbed wire is a frequent irritation, even menace, for walkers and we are occasionally asked what the legal situation is.

Barbed wire across a path is an obstruction and is illegal. However, most barbed wire constitutes part of a fence running alongside the path and in such cases it has to be considered whether the barbed wire "is likely to be injurious to persons or animals lawfully using" the path. If so, the council may serve notice on the occupier of the land requiring remedial action. The occupier must be given at least one month but not more than six months to comply, after which the council can seek an order in the magistrates' court to do the work itself and recover the costs of doing so from the occupier.

It is good practice where barbed wire is needed for it to be put on the sides of the fence posts opposite to the footpath and for an additional strand of plain wire to be put on the sides of the posts adjoining the path to further protect path users.