I should have mentioned the piles of decking timber is about to be moved but I dont really want to narrow the path too much there to allow the garden tractor to be able to access down that side.

It's really only the section in red that needs screened somehow. 7 fence panels in length

Why not just put up your own fence on your side of the existing one?

Thanks Ellie. That is an option. I was probably thinking in my head without realising it that it would be something I could do rather than depend on my hubbie I guess!!! And also without making the neighbours realise we dont want them to see into our garden! That little gap is sort of their view of the hills.... so we might need to be a bit subtle so as not to upset them. But I'm probably overthinking it so thanks for your suggestion!

Hi Gerty, I would plant some hedging there. You could choose something like Yew or Privet which will grows gradually (so not noticeable at first lol). Or you could plant a mixed hedge of other evergreen shrubs like Viburnum tinus, Ceanothus, Photinia Red Robin,Pittospermum or Privet. You may have to prune them to keep access clear. I love Sambucus but it has a light featheriness which doesn’t provide a lot of screening. Of course you could nail more fencing to the post and rail fence but that’s more effort!

Thankyou Sonia. I will google the different hedgings you mention there. Thanks again

Hi, we planted a mixed native hedge for privacy. Not the quickest to grow but worth it and great for birds. Try Best4Hedging - native mix includes Hawthorn, Hazel, Dog Rose, Field Maple etc. Buy as bare root and plant during the winter. They lose their leaves in winter but that’s fine, as we’re not in the garden then anyway, and gives some variety to the view throughout the year. Evergreen Laurel type hedges are too oppressive in my opinion.
And/or temporarily set up some sort of ‘seaside theme’ that’s clearly for the kids but gives you a bit of privacy too - windbreak, bamboo screening, bunting etc. xx