Transform Your Garden with a Curved Chestnut Fence

When we think of garden fencing, we often focus on its basic functions. It marks boundaries, adds privacy, and keeps animals out. But a fence can do so much more than that.

In this project, we designed and built a rustic Chestnut fence. This fence not only defines the space but also enhances biodiversity, softens the landscape, and becomes a feature in its own right. Built with natural materials and inspired by the surrounding woodland, this fence proves that even practical structures can feel thoughtful, ecological, and deeply rooted in place.

Here’s how we did it, and how you can apply similar ideas in your own garden.

1. Go With the Land, Not Against It

Instead of running the fence in a straight line, we designed a gentle curve that follows the contours of the garden. This served a few important purposes:

• It added privacy in the most open areas of the space.

• It created a more natural, organic flow.

• It helped the fence blend into its surroundings, rather than standing out.

  
  

Tip: Curved or staggered fencing often looks better in rural or wild gardens than rigid lines. It’s a small design shift that makes a big visual difference.

2. Choose Sustainable, Local Materials

We used sweet Chestnut for the vertical pales and structure. This timber is known for its natural resistance to rot and its low environmental impact. It requires no chemical treatment, ages beautifully, and supports local woodland management.

Each rail was slightly different in width and grain, giving the fence a relaxed, natural texture that feels handmade (because it is).

Tip: Choosing local, untreated timber like Chestnut, Larch, or Oak means fewer carbon miles, a longer lifespan, and a more grounded feel in the garden.

3. Let Light and Air Move Through

Spacing the Chestnut pales with narrow gaps created a lovely dappled light effect on the garden floor. This effect is especially striking as the sun moves across the space.

But it’s not just about looks. These gaps also allow airflow, which is crucial in windy locations. Solid fences act like sails and are more likely to blow over. With breathable spacing, wind passes through instead of pushing against the structure.

Tip: If your garden is exposed or on a hillside, a fence with gaps is much more durable — and usually much more beautiful.

4. Add a Functional Focal Point

We didn’t want the fence to just fade into the background; we wanted it to offer something back to the space. So in the middle, we built a honeycomb-shaped insect hotel, nestled into the fence line.

This became the visual centrepiece of the project and a home for:

• Solitary bees (like mason and leafcutter bees)

• Ladybirds and lacewings (great for aphid control)

• Beetles, spiders, and other essential garden insects

  
  

Built with drilled logs, bamboo canes, pinecones, and reclaimed materials, the insect hotel blends beauty with purpose.

Tip: Position insect hotels in a sunny, sheltered spot and surround them with wildflowers. Avoid placing them in damp, shady corners; most insects prefer dry, warm habitats.

5. Ground It in the Landscape with a Log Base

To complete the design, we added a layer of stacked logs along the bottom of the fence. This did two things:

• It softened the base visually, grounding the vertical lines of the Chestnut and giving the fence a more natural profile.

• It created an additional wildlife habitat, perfect for beetles, frogs, fungi, and even small mammals.

  
  

Over time, these logs will break down, becoming their own miniature ecosystem.

Tip: Don’t throw away cut branches or logs. Stack them neatly at the base of fences or borders; they’ll blend into the space and support a huge range of beneficial wildlife.

The End Result: A Fence That Belongs

This isn’t just a boundary; it’s part of the garden. It defines space, frames views, encourages biodiversity, and changes throughout the day with light and shadow. The natural timber, curved line, and thoughtful detailing all contribute to a fence that feels timeless and rooted.

Best of all? It’s low maintenance, sustainably built, and designed to last.

Thinking About Adding a Fence to Your Garden?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your own natural garden fencing:

• Use curves or stepped sections to follow the land.

• Leave gaps for airflow and visual softness.

• Choose natural, untreated timbers with local provenance.

• Integrate features like insect hotels, bird boxes, or planting pockets.

• Let your fence work harder, not just for privacy, but for wildlife, light, and beauty too.

  
  

At Crafted Landscapes, we’re passionate about outdoor spaces that feel alive. If you’re planning a new boundary, border, or garden structure, we’d love to help you design something that feels both functional and soulful.

Explore more at craftedlandscapes.co.uk. Follow our builds on Instagram: @craftedlandscapes.