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

--
Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email.
graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them
Email:
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________


"P Bentley" wrote in message
...
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.

"P Bentley" wrote

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.


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.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

"P Bentley" wrote in message
...
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.


Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with barbed
wire.

The problem is, always there are gates.

IR camera?

On 02/03/2014 16:14, P Bentley wrote:
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.


Inexpensive and difficult to climb are probably mutually exclusive
requirements. I have seen putting wobbly trellis on top of an existing
fence recommended as a deterrent, but have no experience of it myself.

I grow Albertine roses up the walls and fences and use prickle strips
along the gates:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Defenders-Pr.../dp/B00B33XP1O

Colin Bignell

On 02/03/2014 17:14, harryagain wrote:

Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with barbed
wire.


Pyracantha is probably better. It's a real swine to cut through. The
real trouble is that the OP needs something instant.

On 02/03/2014 19:34, GB wrote:
On 02/03/2014 17:14, harryagain wrote:

Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with
barbed
wire.


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.

In message , David Hill
writes
On 02/03/2014 19:34, GB wrote:
On 02/03/2014 17:14, harryagain wrote:

Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with
barbed
wire.


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.




--
Bill

On 02/03/2014 19:59, David Hill wrote:
On 02/03/2014 19:34, GB wrote:
On 02/03/2014 17:14, harryagain wrote:

Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with
barbed
wire.


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..

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.

In message , GB
writes

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..

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.


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.
--
Bill

On 2014-03-02 19:59:13 +0000, David Hill said:

On 02/03/2014 19:34, GB wrote:
On 02/03/2014 17:14, harryagain wrote:

Plant a row of brambles. Free, more effctive and legit compared with
barbed
wire.


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.

Rosa rugosa is another vicious contender!
--

Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk

On 02/03/2014 23:47, Bill wrote:
In message , GB
writes

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..

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.


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.

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

"P Bentley" wrote ...

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.

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.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

On 03/03/2014 10:58, stuart noble wrote:
On 02/03/2014 23:47, Bill wrote:
In message , GB
writes

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..

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.


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.

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




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 tits 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?

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

"Martin" wrote

"Bob Hobden" wrote:

"P Bentley" wrote ...

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.

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.

Our allotment is inside a high security area. It doesn't stop the very well
paid
people working there stealing tools and vegetables.

We don't keep any tools on our plot, not even a line. All we have ever got
is footprints as the villains walk across our plot to get to yet another
shed on someone else's.
On one visit by the thieves there was a strimmer, cordless electric drill, a
brand new large cultivator worth hundreds and a petrol generator as well as
other bits stashed by the gate ready to be collected, only I got their first
and called the Police. It's that potential income from the sheds that keeps
these people coming back time and again and why I say don't keep tools on
your site as a temptation.

--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK