Choosing The Right Field Shelter: Permanent vs. Mobile

Making a rational choice between permanent and mobile shelters requires an in-depth analysis of the two. Both have their own share of pros and cons, which need to be considered against your own requirements and situation. This blog will help you make an informed choice so that your four-legged friends experience the best of comfort, safety, and hygiene. Read and understand all the differences between the two types of shelters to find the most durable, convenient, and adaptable field shelter for your animals.

Differences Between Fixed Field Shelters And Mobile Field Shelters

The key differences between fixed field shelters and mobile field shelters are typically to do with their permanence and flexibility:

Fixed Field Shelter Key Characteristics

These are characterised as permanent structures, typically secured to a specific location with a foundation or anchored posts. Owners tend to choose more robust materials in their make-up which offer greater protection from harsh weather conditions. Other key differentiators for fixed field shelters are:

• Since they are fixed, they may require planning permission, depending on local planning regulations. This can add time and energy to your project as well as cost. Luckily, at National Timber Buildings, we are able to take on the entire planning approval process for you to save you the time and stress. We can even draw and arrange all the planning drawings needed for your project.
• They are ideal for long-term, stable use in one area. However, they cannot be relocated. 
• Fixed shelters tend to have a higher initial cost but offer long-term durability with less maintenance required overtime. Typically, fixed shelters require more materials, groundwork, and sometimes labour to ensure they are securely anchored and weatherproof.  This includes foundations, concrete, and sometimes planning application costs.  That said, while the upfront cost can be higher, they can be more cost-effective in the long run as they are built for durability and may require less frequent repairs of replacements.
• You can add to and adapt the building as your needs grow and change.  Both mobile and fixed field shelters offer maximum comfort to their residents. However, fixed field shelters are easy to modify according to changing weather conditions, thus allowing customers to be protected. UK’s unpredictable weather calls for such fixed shelters where it is more convenient to add additional features like extra storage for bedding and feed, ventilation solutions, stable doors, and more to maximise the comfort of the animals residing in the shelter as well as making it easier for carers to practically care for their horses.

Mobile Field Shelter Key Characteristics

Mobile structures are portable and designed to be moved around the field as needed. They are mounted on skids, allowing flexibility in positioning, which can help manage field conditions and avoid overgrazing. Other key differentiators for mobile field shelters are:

• In 90% of the cases in the UK, mobile shelters do not require planning permission. The stress of going through the application process or hiring an architect is also reduced. However, one needs to note that there are certain cases when even mobile field shelters require planning permission approval to proceed with the plans. Also, the local planning laws for every area vary a bit, so they need to be properly examined and learned before proceeding to the construction stage.
• They are best suited for those who need adaptability in shelter location or want to avoid permanent installations. Animals will have access to the best possible living conditions throughout the year allowing you to adapt to vulnerable weather conditions and grazing and pasture management needs.
• Generally, mobile shelters are less expensive upfront because they do not require foundations, extensive site preparation or planning approval (in most cases). However, their portability often means they are built with lighter materials, which can influence durability. Due to their movable nature, mobile shelters can face wear and tear from frequent relocations or exposure to wind and weather, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs over time. At Nationals, this isn’t a problem for us. We use quality tanalised timber for all our builds as well as other durable materials to ensure they are built to resist rot, decay, and the elements, and can easily be relocated without any fear of wear and tear.
• Mobile field shelters offer ultimate comfort by allowing the easy movement of sheds from one place to another in need of better pasture for their animals. These shelters are easy to move around and safeguard the animals against the adversities of any kind of weather. The removable panels or front doors of a mobile shelter are convenient for maximising airflow during warm days.

Let’s talk safety…

Strong wind, heavy rain and even snow are a common feature of the UK’s weather conditions. In such cases, sturdy and permanent fixed field shelters may offer more safety to their residents. They have a better and more solid foundation than mobile field shelters. Reinforced roofing, kickboards, and secure doors are some additional safety attributes that can easily be attached to the existing fixed shelters for enhanced security. However, if mobile field shelters always top your list, you can also position them in safer areas for additional safety during adverse weather conditions or fear of foreign elements. Also, it is to be noted that mobile shelters do have round edges and sturdy frameworks to avoid any movement during harsh winds. So technically, both types of shelters are equally safe and can be chosen according to your needs.

In summary, fixed shelters offer permanence and durability, while mobile shelters provide flexibility and ease of movement. Now that you understand the pros and cons of both kinds of shelters, the choice is yours. If you are still confused, you can always give a call to the experts at National Timber Buildings, who offer a range of high-quality field shelters designed to meet all your needs. Be it the flexibility of a mobile shelter or the stability of a fixed one, they can assist you with both. Their 40+ years of experience and dedicated craftsmanship are sure to provide you with the much-needed safety and comfort of your equine friends. For more details, call on 01233 740944.