NZ328519A - Barrier and fencing structure designed to stop climbing animals comprising an elevated structure and a climbing barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The specification describes a rigid, non-electrified barrier. The barrier comprises: An elevated structure (usually a mesh fence) and A barrier extending along the elevated structure. The barrier, which is usually a rigid sheet of plastic or metal, is dimensioned so as to prevent an animal over and beyond the barrier. The elevated structure is designed to prevent an animal squeezing through or burrowing under it. A preferred option is depicted.

Description

328 5 19 Patents Form No. 5 Our Ref: JC208581 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 Complete After Provisional No. 328519 Filed: 8 August 1997 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A BARRIER We, Michael Stewart Morris of 8 Simla Cres, Khandallah, Wellington; James Robert Lynch of 83 Messines Rd, Karori, Wellington; Jacqueline Mary Renouf of 19B Treasure Gv, Haitaitai, Wellington; Nancy Sing Wah Ward of 120 Donald St, Karori, Wellington; Helen Marion Ferner of 3 Ottawa Rd, Ngaio, Wellington; Bernard Leon Grice of 58 Old Porirua Rd, Ngaio, Wellington; Colin Mackie Miskelly of 82 Ranui Crescent, Khandallah, Wellington; David Noel John Todd of 15 Carlton Gore Road, Roseneath, Wellington; Derek Arthur George Breton of 2 Cedar Court, Whitby, Wellington; Richard John Bently of 46A Clark Street, Khandallah, Wellington; all citizens of New Zealand; all Trustees of the KARORI RESERVOIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TRUST hereby declare the invention, for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: PT0514885 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. -5 MAY 2000 pr-rsr-n/r-pj A BARRIER The present invention relates to a barrier and a method of fencing, in particular a barrier or fence and a method of fencing designed to keep out animal pests, such as possums, cats, rodents and mustelids.

A wide variety of conventional fence systems are known and have been employed for purposes such as keeping stock together or for purposes of excluding stock or animal pests from specific areas. Such fencing systems normally consist of support posts at spaced apart intervals and wire strands or netting spanning between the support posts. These support posts are normally arranged in a manner so that when the wire strands or nettings are in place an enclosure is provided.

Optionally some strands of wire or the complete fence system may be electrified to keep stock away from the fence.

The disadvantage of such conventional fence systems is their unsuitabiiity for keeping cats, possums, rabbits, mustelids or rodents out of a specific area. Cats and possums will, if stressed, ignore an electric fence. Rabbits and rodents may burrow under the fence line to gain access to an enclosed area. Some mustelids and rodents are small enough to get through the wire strands or wire netting or mesh without the need to burrow. Some mustelids move quickly enough to climb an electrified fence between pulses.

In some instances it is necessary to exclude cats, possums, rabbits and/or rodents to protect the flora or fauna enclosed by a fenced area. For example, where an area has been designated to raise rare or native birds, animals or plants it is necessary to keep out predators such as possums, rabbits, rodents and cats to ensure the survival of the plants, animals or birds which are being raised.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome some of the difficulties faced with conventional fencing systems and to provide a barrier or fence system which excludes cats, rodents, rabbits and possums or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Throughout the specification the term "animal" includes cats, rodents, rabbits and possums and other similar sized and proportioned animals. "iwitlltLIIUAL PROPERTY OFFICE* OF N.Z. ;-9 NOV 1998 RECEIVED ;328519 ;In a first aspect the present invention provides a rigid, non-electrified barrier, the barrier comprising: ;an elevated structure; and barrier means provided along the elevated structure dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing the elevated structure past the barrier means, and wherein the elevated structure is adapted to prevent an animal squeezing through the elevated structure and burrowing under the elevated structure. ;Preferably the elevated structure is a fence. Preferably the fence comprises support means and exclusion means. Preferably the exclusion means is formed of wire mesh extending to the ground. Preferably the exclusion means is a metal plate. ;Preferably the barrier means has a curved overhang section extending from the elevated structure. Preferably the barrier means is a smooth downwardly curved overhang. Preferably the barrier means is tubular or of a semicircular shape. ;In a preferred embodiment an additional exclusion means can extend beneath the ground surface. ;In a preferred embodiment the additional exclusion means extends substantially horizontally beneath the ground surface and is constructed from a wire mesh or a plastics or metal material. ;In a preferred embodiment the additional exclusion means extends beneath the ground surface in a substantially vertical orientation and is preferably constructed from a plastics or metal material. ;In a further aspect the present invention provides a rigid, non-electrified barrier, the barrier comprising: ;an elevated structure extending substantially in an upright direction, the elevated structure comprising spaced apart support means and an exclusion means spanning between the support means; and barrier means provided along the elevated structure dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing the elevated structure past the barrier means, and wherein the elevated structure is adapted to prevent an animal squeezing through the elevated structure and burrowing under the elevated structure. ;intellectual property office of n.z. ;- 1 NOV 2000 ;RECEIVED ;328519 ;There is also provided a method of erecting a rigid, non-electrified barrier on ground comprising: ;providing support means extending upwardly from the ground at intervals; providing exclusion means extending upwardly from the ground secured to the support means; and providing additional exclusion means extending from the base of the support means downwardly or outwardly therefrom. ;There is further provided a rigid, non-electrified barrier comprising: ;a first exclusion means being an elevated structure formed of wire mesh; a second exclusion means in the form of a rigid sheet secured to the first exclusion means; and additional exclusion means extending underground and/or outwardly from the first exclusion means. ;In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of fencing off an area, the method comprising the steps of; ;constructing a rigid, non-electrified barrier, the barrier comprising an elevated structure and a barrier means along the elevated structure dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing past the barrier means; forming an enclosure around the desired area; and wherein the elevated structure is adapted to prevent an animal squeezing through the elevated structure and burrowing under the elevated structure. ;Preferably the elevated structure is a fence. Preferably the fence comprises support and exclusion means. ;Preferably the barrier means is bolted by and supported by the elevated structure. Preferably the barrier means is located in the upper portion of the elevated structure. ;In a preferred embodiment the barrier comprises an additional exclusion means which extends beneath the ground surface. ;Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following examples and description, and with reference to the accompanying figures. ;Figure 1 is a perspective view of a barrier. ;Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a barrier. ;intellectual property office of n.z. ;- 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED ;32851 ;Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a barrier. ;Figures 4a to 4f show side views of preferred embodiments for a barrier means of a barrier of any one of figures 1 to 3. ;Figures 5a to 5d show side profiles of preferred exclusion means for a barrier as shown in any one of figures 1 to 3. ;Figure 6a and 6c show side views of preferred embodiments of an additional exclusion means extending substantially horizontally beneath the ground surface of any of the barriers shown in figures 1 to 3. ;Figures 7a to 7e show side views of preferred embodiments and the means of fixing them to the ground. ;Figures 8a to 8e illustrate side views showing preferred attachment means of the barrier means to the support means. ;Figures 9a to 9e illustrates variations on attachment means of preferred embodiments of barrier means to support means. ;A preferred embodiment Of a barrier 1 of the present invention is illustrated in figure 1. The barrier 1 has an elevated structure consisting of a barrier means 2 supported by support means 3. Spanning the support means 3 is an exclusion means 4. The support means 3 extends beyond the ground surface 5 and into the ground. ;Optionally an additional exclusion means 6 may extend horizontally beneath the ground surface 5. Preferably the additional ground exclusion means 6 extends horizontally beneath the ground surface at least 400mm from the support means 3. It has been found that rats and mustelids burrow within 400mm of the base of an object. In the event that Norway rats or rabbits are present the skirt may need to be a minimum of 600mm. ;The additional ground exclusion means 6 is a layer of mesh which is placed on the ground surface. The exclusion means 4 is then placed on top of the ground exclusion means 6. The two exclusion means are interengaged to provide a secure exclusion surface. ;intellectual property. office of n.z. ;- 1 NOV 2000 ;RECEIVED ;328519 ;- 6 - ;Preferably, but not necessarily, the exclusion means 4 and 6 are constructed from a wire mesh or woven wire netting. Preferably the wire mesh or netting has gaps no greater than 6-13mm if rodents are to be excluded. It is recognised that gaps greater than 6mm allow juvenile rodents to squeeze through the exclusion means. If only larger animals are to be excluded the mesh size can be increased to between 50 and 100mm. ;Preferably the barrier means 2 is an arcuate shaped overhang which extends outwards from the support mearis at a distance greater than 250mm. If the overhang does not extend more than 250mm, possums are able to hook their tail around the bracket and scramble over the top. A smaller overhang will not exclude possums but will exclude smaller mammals. The minimum size is 200mm. ;Preferably the barrier means 2 extends less than 300mm from the support means to minimise problems associated with a barrier being buffeted by strong winds. ;Preferably the support means 3 are stakes, wooden posts or metal tubing. The preferred height of the support means extending above the ground surface 5 is greater than 1.8 metres. Feral cats have a jumping capability of up to 2 metres and if cats are to be excluded a fence no less than 2 metres high is required. ;Figure 2 illustrates an alternative exclusion means comprising first exclusion means 4' and second exclusion means 7 for a barrier 1. The first exclusion means 4' is a wire mesh or netting with preferably a 25-50mm chain link or weave. The second exclusion means is a panel 7. Preferably the panel 7 is constructed from a plastics or metal material to prevent rodents and mustelids climbing it. The panel 7 may extend beyond the ground surface 5. The second exclusion means 7 may additionally extend horizontally beneath the ground surface as shown by 8. The additional ground exclusion means 8 may be constructed from the same material as the second exclusion means 7 and bent and moulded into position 8 or may be a wire mesh. Preferably the additional exclusion means extends horizontally from the second exclusion means 7 and support means 3 by approximately 400mm. Alternatively, the ground exclusion means 8 may be constructed from a plastics or metal material which is joined to or overlapped with the base of the exclusion second means 7. ;The ground exclusion means 6 or 8 are preferably dug into the ground or the ground surface is built up above the ground exclusion means to prevent rodents and mustelids burrowing under and raising the exclusion means 4. ;intellectual property office of n.z. ;- 1 nov 2000 ;received ;-7 - ;Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment for the barrier 1. In the embodiment illustrated the barrier 1 has an upper exclusion means 4' and a lower exclusion means 4. The upper exclusion means 4' is preferably a mesh/netting with a 25-100mm weave or chain link. The lower exclusion means 4 is preferably a wire mesh or netting with gaps no larger than 6-13mm. The barrier has a metal or plastics panel 7' extending between support means at a desired height. Preferably the height of panel 7' is approximately 600-1200mm above the ground surface 5. This panel is in place at a position on the barrier to prevent the climbing of cats or possums up the elevated structure. ;Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f illustrate preferred embodiments of the barrier means known to be effective at excluding cats and possums and mustelids. ;Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a metal or plastics pipe 9 connected either to a supporting arm 10 extending from the support means 3 or connected directly to the support means 3. ;Figures 4c and 4d illustrate arcuate shaped barrier means 11 and 12 connected directly to the support means 3. ;Figure 4e and 4f illustrate folded and inverted shaped barrier means 13 and 14 connected to support means 3. ;Figures 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d show side profiles of exclusion means which are known to exclude cats, possums and rodents (from above the ground surface). Different embodiments may be suitable for different applications. ;Figure 5a illustrates an exclusion means which comprises a completely solid wood, concrete, plastics or metal material 7 extending between the ground surface 5 and the barrier means 2. ;Figure 5b illustrates an exclusion means which comprises a plastics or metal panel 7' secured to the wire netting or mesh 4' at the ground surface 5. The plastics or metal panel 7' extends up the barrier to a desired height, typically between 1 and 1.5 metres. In the embodiment illustrated the wire netting or mesh 4' has a chain link or weave with gaps of between 25-100mm depending on the species to be excluded. ;An alternative exclusion means is illustrated in figure 5c. A plastics or metal panel 7' is positioned at a desired height between the barrier means 2 and the ground surface intellectual property office of n.z. ;- 1 NOV 2000 ;received ;328519 ;5. A fine woven metal mesh or netting 4 extends from the ground surface 5 up to the base of the panel 7". Preferably the woven mesh or netting 4 has gaps no greater than 6-13mm. The panel T and mesh 4 are supported against a further wire or mesh netting 4' with weave of between 25-100mm. ;Figure 5d shows an exclusion means comprising a finely spaced woven wire or mesh netting 4 of size between 6-13mm extending from the ground surface 5 to the barrier means 2. ;The embodiment illustrated in Figure 5d is the cheapest exclusion means to install. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5b and 5c uses the cheaper chain link netting 4, however the installation cost increases as a result of needing to install a panel 7' as illustrated. ;Figures 6a and 6b illustrate in detail ground exclusion means 16 and 17. In the embodiments illustrated the ground exclusion means 16 and 17 extend substantially horizontally beneath the ground surface. However, it is to be appreciated that a ground exclusion means may optionally extend substantially vertically into the ground. Such a construction would require the digging of a trench when building the fence system. The trench would then be filled in with ground fill such as dirt, sand, gravel and the like. As shown in Figure 6c a trench may be dug out and filled with concrete or cement 18 into which the support means 3 are set. Such a barrier extending into the ground 19 would also prevent the burrowing of rodents. ;In Figure 6a a plastics or metal panel 1 6 bent at approximately 90° is secured against the support means 3 by way of a rivet or nut and bolt. The ground surface is shown as 5. The panel may be covered with ground fill illustrated as 15. The undisturbed ground is illustrated as 19. Alternatively as shown in Figure 6b a woven mesh or netting 17 may be interengaged with the exclusion means 4 or 4' beneath the ground surface 5. Preferably the ground exclusion means 17 is put in place on the ground and the exclusion means 4 or 4' interengaged with the ground exclusion means 17. ;Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d illustrate different means of fixing ground exclusion means to the ground (a) by placing on ground and grassing (b) placing on ground or burying (c) burying horizontal (d) burying vertically. ;Figure 7a shows an alternative means of securing ground exclusion means 6 to ground 19. In this case the ground exclusion means is in the form of a mesh placed intellectual property office of n.z. ;- 1 nov 2000 received ;* across the surface of ground 19 with grass 20 planted over the mesh 6. Figure 7b shows an alternative arrangement in which ground exclusion means 6 is placed on the surface of ground 19 and fill 15 is placed on top of ground exclusion means 6.

Figure 7c shows a further alternative embodiment in which a trench is dug, ground exclusion means 6 is placed on the bottom of the trench and the trench is filled with fill 15. Figure 7d shows a further arrangement in which a deep narrow trench is dug parallel to the fence, ground exclusion means 6 is placed vertically within the trench and fill 15 fills the trench.

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e illustrate diagrammatically possible means of securing a barrier 2 to a support means 3. Preferably the barrier means 8a shown in figure 7a is secured to the support means 3 by a bolt and nut 21.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 8a has a barrier means 2a which is preferably constructed from a lightweight plastics tubing. The plastics tubing is securely held in place by a bolt 21.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 8b has a barrier means 2b which is preferably constructed from a lightweight plastics or metal material, such as lightweight steel.

Because of the extra weight when steel is employed for the barrier means an additional bracing means similar to, but not restricted to elements 22 and 23, may be necessary. Such bracing means minimises the warping of the steel barrier means and minimises difficulties experienced in high wind environments. Bracing means 22 may be a bolt, screw of nail.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 8c has a barrier means 2c which has an inverted spouting type cross-section. The barrier means 2c is preferably constructed from a lightweight plastics or metal material.

Figure 8d shows an embodiment in which barrier means 2d has an angular profile and is supported by bracing means,23. Bracing means 23 may simply be in the form of nails driven into the support means 3.

Figure 8e shows an inverted "V" section in which the bracing means 23 is secured to support means 3 by nails and or bolts 22 and the "V" section 2e is secured to bracing element 23 by rivets etc. 21. intellectual property office of N.Z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED 328519 Figures 9a to 9e show various methods of attaching a semicircular barrier means 2b to a support means 3. Figure 9a shows an embodiment in which barrier means 2b is secured by means of bolt 22 and bracket 23. Figure 9b shows an arrangement in which a bracket 23 is secured by means of bolt 22 and barrier means 2b is riveted to bracket 23. Figure 9c shows an arrangement in which barrier means 2b and sheet metal bracket 23 are secured to support means 3 via bolt 22 and the distal end of barrier means 2b is secured by fastening means 21.

Figure 9d shows a variation in which the bracket 23 follows the interior contour of barrier means 2b. Figure 9e shows an alternative embodiment in which one edge of barrier means 2b is secured to support means 3 by fastening means 22. The distal edge of barrier means 2b is supported by bracing element 23 driven into support means 3.

The barrier of the invention is cheap and easy to install and can be constructed from readily available materials.

The barrier can exclude possums, mustelids and cats and rodents from a desired area. Further, should a possum or cat find themselves in the enclosed area most embodiments of the fence do not prevent the cat or possum from leaving.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers having known equivalents thereof, those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments and examples, it is to be appreciated that improvements or modifications could be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims. intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED 328519

Claims (80)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A rigid, non-electrified barrier, the barrier comprising: an elevated structure; and barrier means provided along the elevated structure dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing the elevated structure past the barrier means, and wherein the elevated structure is adapted to prevent an animal squeezing through the elevated structure and burrowing under the elevated structure.

2. A barrier according to claim 1, in which the elevated structure is a fence.

3. A barrier according to claim 2, in which the fence comprises support means and exclusion means extending upwardly from the ground between the support means.

4. A barrier according to claim 3, in which the exclusion means is formed of wire mesh.

5. A barrier as claimed in claim 4 wherein the mesh size is between 6 to 100mm.

6. A barrier as claimed in claim 5 wherein the mesh size is between 6 to 13mm where rodents are to be excluded.

7. A barrier as claimed in claim 5 wherein the mesh size is between 25 to 100mm where animals larger than rodents are to be excluded.

8. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7 including a rigid sheet covering part of the exclusion means.

9. A barrier as claimed in claim 8 wherein the rigid sheet covers a middle band of the exclusion means positioned to prevent climbing animals from climbing the fence.

10. A barrier as claimed in claim 9 wherein the rigid sheet is about 600 to 1200mm above the ground. inteij.ectual property office of n.z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED 32 8519

11. A barrier as claimed in claim 8 wherein the rigid sheet extends from the ground to a height part way up the exclusion means.

12. A barrier as claimed in claim 11 wherein the rigid sheet extends between 1 to 1.5 metres above the ground.

13. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the barrier is a plastics or metal sheet.

14. A barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including additional exclusion means extending from the elevated structure along or below ground level.

15. A barrier as claimed in claim 14 wherein the additional exclusion means extends from the elevated structure outwardly along the surface of the ground.

16. A barrier as claimed in claim 15 wherein the additional exclusion means is buried.

17. A barrier as claimed in claim 14 wherein the additional exclusion means extends outwardly from the elevated structure in an underground trench in which the additional exclusion means is buried.

18. A barrier as claimed in claim 14 wherein the additional exclusion means extends substantially vertically downwardly from the base of the elevated structure within a trench and is subsequently covered.

19. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the additional exclusion means is a rigid sheet.

20. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the additional exclusion means is formed of wire mesh.

21. A barrier as claimed in claim 20 wherein the mesh size is between 6 to 100mm.

22. A barrier as claimed in claim 20 wherein the mesh size is between 6 to 13mm where rodents are to be excluded. intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED 32 8519

23. A barrier as claimed in claim 20 wherein a mesh size of 25 to 100mm is used when animals larger than rodents are to be excluded.

24. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23 wherein the additional exclusion means extends at least 400mm horizontally from the base of the elevated structure.

25. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 24 wherein the additional exclusion means overlaps with at least part of the exclusion means.

26. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier means is provided near or along a top edge of the elevated structure.

27. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier means includes an overhang extending a distance from the elevated structure.

28. A barrier as claimed in claimed in claim 27 wherein the barrier means extends between 200 to 300mm from the elevated structure.

29. A barrier as claimed in claim 27 wherein the barrier means extends about 250mm from the elevated structure.

30. A barrier means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier means is curved from a proximal edge connected to the elevated structure to a distal edge.

31. A barrier as claimed in claim 30 wherein the barrier means is circular or semicircular in cross-section.

32. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29 wherein the barrier means is substantially an inverted "V" shape in cross section.

33. A barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the elevated structure is greater than 1.8 metres high.

34. A barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier is greater than 2 metres high. intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED 32 8519 - 14-

35. A rigid, non-electrified barrier, the barrier comprising: an elevated structure extending substantially in an upright direction, the elevated structure comprising spaced apart support means and an exclusion means spanning between the support means; and barrier means provided along the elevated structure dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing the elevated structure past the barrier means, and wherein the elevated structure is adapted to prevent an animal squeezing through the elevated structure and burrowing under the elevated structure.

36. A barrier, according to claim 35, the barrier means comprising a curved overhang section which extends from the elevated structure.

37. A barrier according to claim 35 or claim 36, in which the barrier means is a smooth downwardly curved overhang.

38. A barrier according to any one of claims 35 to 37, in which the barrier means is an arcuate shaped overhang which extends outwardly from the support means by a distance greater than 250mm.

39. A barrier according to any one of claims 35 to 38, in which the support means of the elevated structure extends into and beyond the ground surface and in which the exclusion means spans the support means above and below the ground surface.

40. A barrier means according to claim 39 in which an additional ground exclusion means extends horizontally beneath the ground surface at least 400mm from the elevated structure.

41. A barrier as claimed in claim 40 in which the ground exclusion means which extends horizontally beneath the ground surface is interengaged with the exclusion means spanning the support means of the elevated structure.

42. A barrier according to claims 40 or 41, in which the exclusion means and ground exclusion means are constructed from a wire mesh or woven wire netting having gaps no greater than 6 to 8mm.

43. A barrier according to any one of claims 35 to 42, in which the elevated structure extends substantially upwardly from the ground surface to a height greater than 2.2 metres. —— • intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 nov 2000 received - 15 - 32 851

44. A barrier according to any one of claims 35 to 43 in which the elevated structure additionally includes a panel positioned between the ground level and the barrier means in which the panel is constructed from a plastics or metal material dimensioned so as to prevent animals climbing up the elevated structure.

45. A rigid, non-electrified barrier comprising: a first exclusion means being an elevated structure formed of wire mesh; a second exclusion means in the form of a rigid sheet secured to the first exclusion means; and additional exclusion means extending underground and/or outwardly from the first exclusion means.

46. A barrier as claimed in claim 45 wherein the mesh size of the wire mesh of the first exclusion means is between 6 to 100mm.

47. A barrier as claimed in claim 46 wherein the mesh size is between 6 to 13mm where rodents are to be excluded.

48. A barrier as claimed in claim 46 wherein the mesh size is between 25 to 100mm where animals larger than rodents are to be excluded.

49. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 48 wherein the second exclusion means is provided in the form of a band along a middle section of the first exclusion means.

50. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 48 wherein the second exclusion means extends from the ground to a height part way up the first exclusion means.

51. A barrier as claimed in claim 49 or claim 50 wherein the rigid sheet is formed of plastics or metal.

52. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 51 wherein the additional exclusion means is in the form of wire mesh.

53. A barrier as claimed in claim 52 wherein the mesh size of the additional exclusion means is between 6 to 100mm. intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED - 16 -

54. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 51 wherein the additional exclusion means is in the form of a rigid-sheet.

55. A barrier as claimed in claim 54 wherein the rigid sheet is formed of metals or plastics.

56. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 52 to 55 wherein the additional exclusion means extends at least 400mm horizontally from the bottom of the first exclusion means.

57. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 52 to 55 wherein the additional exclusion means is provided along the surface of the ground.

58. A barrier as claimed in any one of claims 52 to 55 wherein the additional exclusion means is at least partially buried underground.

59. A method of fencing off an area, the method comprising the steps of: constructing a rigid, non-electrified barrier, the barrier comprising an elevated structure and a barrier means along the elevated structure dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing the elevated structure past the barrier means; and forming an enclosure around the desired area, and wherein the elevated structure is adapted to prevent an animal squeezing through the elevated structure and burrowing under the elevated structure.

60. A method according to claim 59, in which the elevated structure is a fence.

61. A method according to claim 60, in which the fence comprises support and exclusion means.

62. A method according to claim 59, in which the barrier means is bolted to and supported to the elevated structure.

63. A method according to claim 59, in which the barrier means is located in the upper portion of the elevated structure.

64. A method according to any one of claims 59 to 63 in which the barrier is constructed to comprise an additional exclusion means which extends beneath the ground surface. intellectual property office of n.z. " 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED 32 8519

65. A method according to claim 64, in which the additional exclusion means extends substantially vertically or substantially horizontally relative to the ground surface.

66. A method of erecting a rigid, non-electrified barrier on ground comprising: providing support means extending upwardly from the ground at intervals; providing exclusion means extending upwardly from the ground secured to the support means and being dimensioned so as to prevent an animal climbing the exclusion means; and providing additional exclusion means extending from the base of the support means downwardly or outwardly therefrom.

67. A method as claimed in claim 66 wherein the additional exclusion means is secured at one end to the support means and extends outwardly therefrom along the ground.

68. A method as claimed in claim 67 wherein the additional exclusion means is covered with fill.

69. A method as claimed in claim 66 wherein a trench is dug in the ground parallel to the barrier and the additional exclusion means are secured to the support means and extend outwardly from the support means in the trench and are subsequently covered.

70. A method as claimed in claim 66 wherein a trench is dug parallel to the barrier and the additional exclusion means extends downwardly into the trench and is subsequently covered.

71. A method as claimed in claim 66 wherein a trench is dug parallel to the barrier and the exclusion means is formed in the form of a continuous concrete strip within the trench.

72. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the additional exclusion means extends greater than 400mm outwardly from the support means or at least 400mm below the surface of the ground.

73. A method as claimed in any one of claims 66 to 72 wherein a rigid sheet covers a band of the exclusion means. intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 nov 2000 RECEIVED m 328519

74. A method as claimed in claim 73 wherein the rigid sheet covers a middle band of the barrier.

75. A method as claimed in claim 73 wherein the rigid sheet is placed so that it extends from the ground part way up the exclusion means.

76. A method of fencing as claimed in claim 59 substantially as herein described.

77. A method as claimed in claim 66 substantially as herein described.

78. A barrier formed by the method of any one of claims 59 to 77.

79. A barrier substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

80. A barrier means substantially as herein described with reference to any one of figures 4a to 4f and 8a to 8e and 9a to 9e of the accompanying drawings. Michael Stewart Morris James Robert Lynch Jacqueline Mary Renouf Nancy Sing Wah Ward Helen Marion Ferner Bernard Leon Grice Colin Mackie Miskelly David Noel John Todd Derek Arthur George Breton Richard John Bentley CSPEC54335 all Trustees of the KARORI RESERVOIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TRUST INC BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS intellectual property office of n.z. - 1 NOV 2000 RECEIVED