The Swedish Roundpole Fence
Gärdesgård gör det själv-paket is a traditional wooden fence in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia (Swedish: gardesgard, Norwegian: skigard, Finnish: finriukuaita or risuaita; and Estonian: teivasaed or pistoaita). It is normally made of unbarked and unsplit youngish trees, mainly spruce. Its construction consists of upright stakes in pairs held together with linings of osier, and diagonally laid round poles placed between the pairs of upright stakes.
The fences formed a physically closed landscape that promoted cooperation between farms and settlements. They were important elements in the open-field system, and the work to build them was a shared responsibility among farmers.
Timeless Appeal: Swedish Roundpole Fence Designs for Modern Homes
A Swedish roundpole fence is a symbol of Sweden, and it is often used in sayings and legends. A house surrounded by this kind of fence is considered to be lucky and to bring happiness to its inhabitants.
The fence-making tradition in southern Jamtland is being revived and the construction of this type of fence is a central activity at Olle Goransson’s and Susanne Wilhelmsson’s farm, Sandnaset, which has been run by their ancestors since 1700. The farm also runs fencing courses for interested parties who wish to learn the skills needed to build a traditional pole fence.