We are needing a long stretch of fencing around our allotment. But we really need to keep the cost down as much as possible.
It does not have to look pretty, but must be *difficult* to climb, as we have had a number of thefts on the allotment. We are not allowed to use any barbed-wire.
Any suggestions as to what good inexpensive fencing is available with the above requirements, we would be grateful for. Thanks.
And I suppose you are not allowed to use 20,000 volts through it either then?
Brian
"P Bentley" wrote
I've been an allotment rep for many years and attended many meetings where sites reported criminal damage and thefts. Some had very expensive metal fencing, impossible to climb, the thieves just cut a big hole through it and it cost a fortune to replace, twice! The only way to stop thefts is to ensure nothing of value is ever kept on the site, all sheds must be kept unlocked. Indeed the best way is to remove all sheds, no sheds no temptation. If plot holders use the shed as a toilet then it would be cheaper to build a proper composting toilet on site than erect a strong fence, more temptation. A small trailer for the car is no more than the cost of a shed to buy and allows you to collect manure etc too, as well as carting your tools back and forth. If you live close to the site then use a wheelbarrow to cart your tools. You could, like me, invest in an old Defender as a moving allotment shed. When I moved to our present site there was only one plot with a tiny shed and there was never any thefts or damage until the sudden influx of new gardeners, all of which immediately put a shed up. Result, we have been subject to at least annual thefts and damage ever since.
Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with barbed wire.
The problem is, always there are gates.
IR camera?
We used metal paling fence the type with the three pointed barbs at the top to stop intruders from a problem estate bordering the back garden. Never h ad anymore trouble. It certainly stops the casual intruder, so if it's vand als pulling up the veg and destroying the plot, that sort of fence does the job. At the end of the day no fence or wall will stop the prepared and det ermined intruders, the favoured tool of this forum, the angle grinder espec ially the battery powered type will make short work of even that type of fe nce. As Bob has pointed out it depends on what the perceived value of what is behind the fence compared to the effort to get in will determine to what lengths intruders will go.
There, I have done it, finally mentioned angle grinder in a post! Have I fi nally graduated to the upper echelons of uk.d-I-y?
Richard
Pyracantha is probably better. It's a real swine to cut through. The real trouble is that the OP needs something instant.
In the real world if they could afford Pyracantha all round the allotments they wouldn't worry about loosing a few odds and ends of tools etc.. If you are going for a hedge then Hawthorn bought by the thousand bare rooted. Offers security as well as flowers for bees etc and fruit for the birds also nesting sites as it matures.
Seconded.
I planted about 40' of Hawthorn across the end of my garden about 15 years ago, a) because I like it and b) as an intruder barrier. The first 4 or 5 years I was wishing it would grow a bit quicker, now at a cut 12' high I wish it would slow down a bit!
The birds love it and it does make a good defence though.
>
I had no idea of the cost. The previous owners of our house planted it as a shrub against a wall in the middle of our garden. Quite frankly, anyone who wants to cut the bloody thing down and take it away is welcome to have the whole bloody lot for cuttings, roots and all. I suggest bringing armour and plenty of sticking plaster.
Blackthorn :) Seriously, a mix of fruiting spiny things gets you lots of varied fruit too. Blackthorn, a spiny elaeagnus, rose etc. But not blackberry!
It also means better odds of folk on the allotment being able to contribute all the cuttings.
NT
In message , GB writes
I had one Pyracantha beside a fence, it was vicious, I'm sure that it jumped out and attacked me every time I walked past. There again I did spend a few years trying to kill it. My wife liked it, so I had to be subtle, heavily cutting it back at the end of each year had no effect. Cutting everything above ground away had no effect. Eventually a liberal dose of petrol finally killed it off.
But for anyone wanting a seriously vicious intruder deterrent it is great, just don't expect it to be friendly towards you.
Add some berberis darwinii to the mix too. Yum yum and ouch ouch in perfect proportions.
Nick
Pyracantha is my absolute favourite shrub. Colour all year round plus berries for the blackbirds. Hedge, tree, climber, whatever you want it to be. I trim mine lightly once a year, and their behaviour is impeccable
Having read the comments, yes, prickly plants will deter the casual thief and vandal but the problem with allotments is it is no longer those people causing the serious problems it's the determined professional thief with pickup trucks and tools. If they come prepared to cut through a strong metal fence a prickly plant will be no problem, they will just chainsaw it, or drive over it. Get rid of the temptation and they won't be interested.
I agree. It's a great shrub, both for the garden and for nature. Alas, many people plant it in the wrong place and spend theirs and the plant's future hacking it back.
In summer, mine is smothered with blossom and attracts bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths - to name but a few. In autumn and winter it is covered with a fiery tapestry of red, orange and golden berries. These attract blackbirds, redwings, various t*ts and, of course, pigeons.
On top of that, the security benefit is great. It's legal barbed wire with pretty bits. What's not to like?
Last suggestion in this link
Sorry
You could put carpet gripper strips on the inside at the top of the fence. This may deter people from climbing over as they try and get a hand hold.
He isn't allowed barbed wire so he won't be able to fit gripper rods.
Anti climb paint is the obvious answer.
Coiled razor wire - just the job in my book (:-) Pete
In message , Peter & Jeanne writes
It certainly does! I used it once and would never voluntarily go near it again.
Interestingly, as it is outlawed in many places, I was in one of Her Majesty's hotels recently where they had razor wire fitted and was told that they are breaking some law or other and get fined for each year it is in place. They prefer to pay the fine and keep the place secure rather than not have it.
I have encountered anti climb paint and as well as stopping climbing it also marks the user and their clothes very well too, so it makes them a bit more traceable in the short term.
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