FOX FENCING’S KIWI LOVES THIS GAME!
The Kiwi fencing spirit is alive and well in the Scottish Borders!
Shaun Walsh of Fox Fencing, based near Coldstream, is a living embodiment of the enthusiasm that New Zealanders have for fencing. The passion he has for his chosen stock in trade is palpable.
Growing up in Upper Hutt, a small town outside Wellington on the North Island of New Zealand, Shaun always knew that agriculture would be his destiny. After cutting his teeth on sheep shearing and fencing, he decided to head for new adventures back in 1995.
“I moved to the UK aged 25 and haven’t looked back since,” explained Shaun. “I’ve settled over here, built a family life, and love all of the challenges that come my way. I really enjoy working outdoors with the ever-changing demands of the landscape. It’s great for the soul, even if it has taken its toll on the body over the years!
“When I first came over to the UK, I was working down in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, running a sheep shearing contracting business alongside fencing. The two skills go hand in hand in New Zealand, so I found it easy to fit in. I also competed in fencing competitions back in the day with my colleague at the time and won many awards. Indeed, my interest in competitions has continued, although these days, it’s as a judge for events such as Scotsheep, which took place recently just south of Edinburgh.
“If I’m being honest, I’d rather be on the other side of the rope but do enjoy watching and judging the brilliant work of other fencers. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to this game, so I have very high standards, and that is appreciated.”
“I relocated up to Scotland around 20 years ago and once again immersed myself into the local farming community. I travel right across the Borders region and further afield on occasions to carry out all types of fencing. Poultry fencing projects seem to be taking off right now.
“I have a couple of subbies that I use throughout the year, but it can be a real struggle finding staff. This is a tough and demanding career that requires fitness and attention to detail, and it seems there are precious few individuals willing to take up the mantle.
“I’m a big believer in working smarter, not harder, though, and do let my machinery take the strain whenever I can, including my trusty FencEquip post driver. It’s a fantastic piece of kit that is manufactured in New Zealand and covers all bases. It makes light work of drilling through the rocky ground I frequently find in this part of the world.
“As a predominately lone worker, I am constantly looking at ways to evolve and adapt my kit to allow me to work as efficiently as possible. Over the years, I have invested in various positive modifications, with the latest one making my entire kit fully automated from a remote control.”
Married to Charlotte with one daughter, Coco, Shaun has fully embraced life in Scotland. A keen former rugby union player, he was a regular with Ledbury RFC years back whilst living in Herefordshire.
“I’ve always had that ‘never say die’ All Blacks spirit, and it applies to fencing as much as it does rugby. I love what I do and enjoy meeting people wherever I go, but nothing beats the satisfaction you get from seeing a finished project stretching into the distance!” he concluded.
The Kiwi passion for fencing really is strong with Shaun!
Contact Shaun at shaun@foxfencing.kiwi.
07799 835455
