Case Study: Chicken Run (by Haylands Farm)

Project: Chicken Run Enclosure
Client: Haylands Farm, Isle of Wight
Date: 15 July 2026

About Haylands Farm

Established in 1976 by a group of parents, Haylands Farm was created to provide meaningful training and development opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Owned by Isle of Wight Mencap, the farm offers a real working environment where adults can develop practical skills, build confidence and work towards greater independence. Students take part in a variety of activities, including animal care, horticulture, woodworking, crafts and everyday life skills.

The farm also sells its own produce and handmade items to the public, including free-range eggs, plants, vegetables and wooden products. Income from these activities is reinvested into the farm.

Based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, Haylands Farm relies on charitable donations, fundraising and volunteers to continue its work.

You can find out more about Haylands Farm on its website or follow the team on Facebook.

Project Background

Looking after free-range hens is an important part of daily life at Haylands Farm. The hens provide eggs for sale to the public, which have become popular with local customers. The farm is therefore planning to expand its flock.

However, the existing chicken enclosure needed attention. The fencing had started to bend, the chicken house required repairs, and unfortunately, several chickens had been killed by foxes.

With more chickens on order for next year, the farm needed to improve the enclosure and provide better protection against predators.

Solution

WireFence welded mesh was used as part of the new chicken run, providing a strong protective barrier around the enclosure.

Combined with a timber post structure, the mesh helps keep the chickens safely contained while providing an enclosed area for them to roam. A framed access gate was also incorporated into the fencing, making it easier for the team to enter and maintain the area.

Final Result

The completed chicken run provides Haylands Farm with a practical, enclosed space for its free-range hens, helping protect them from potential predators.

It’s lovely to see our welded mesh being used in a project that supports both animal welfare and such meaningful work in the local community.
Thank you to Haylands Farm for sharing the photos and allowing us to feature their project!
– Joy, Customer Support Manager