New hedge

I priced spiral guards and bamboo posts, over €800 just for 100 meters/600 plants. I think it'll either be electric fence on a sheep wire fence or chicken wire on a sheep wire fence.

Possibly so, I can think of some palm type things I've seen previously. A neighbour wanted to plant them in an SAC field, he was refused as they're non natives. I wouldn't be gone on them myself anyway.

I've other reasons than shelter. Cuttings will be helpful for composting, and thorns will be helpful to keep out walkers. I'd be more partial to native stuff, but I'll use non native for the right reason.

I'm going to give a try to growing my own from seed & cuttings as I'll need an awful lot when all is said and done.