quick growing spiny or dense shrubs to protect garden and provide privacy?

[cestlavielife]

while waiting for landlord to sort out possible fencing i need to plant up something at end of garden (joins with neighbours at back) to obstruct intruders / provide privacy. there used to be a fence long ago but now nothing, after a tree was cut down, to demarcate gardens. london clay.

firethorn pyracantha? would that work? berberis? there is also a slope ie garden of neighbors at rear is on higher level. currently empty as they renting it out. so maybe something to plant on the slope (about two metres drop) or that would grow up the slope?

I have a pyracantha that self seeded in a really manky bit of my front garden and it's grown really quickly. I also have a berberis hedge that is the bane of my life since it's so prickly! Remember that if you ever want to get rid of these plants, you'll need chainmail gloves and a first aid kit handy!!!!

Have you thought about Holly?

I have pyracantha in an awkward dry dark corner and it is growing well - would expect it to go faster elsewhere.

I have been very impressed at the speed of growth of pittosporum, if you want something that will grow tall and look pretty.