If you are the kind of person who loves the whimsical or quirky ornament in the lawn, you may also be interested in having a whole fence that is also unusual. Because the following fences use materials that would usually end up in landfill, they make the ideal sustainable fencing. Fencing contractors may not have heard of them, but most would be willing to erect the kind of framework needed to make use of them.

Not all councils would allow these kinds of fence, but if you are lucky enough to have few rules and regulations, you can often get these materials for free or almost free.

• Surfboards make the ultimate picket fence with their pointed ends. They are colourful, offer privacy due to their height and don’t rust or rot. Add a strong timber framework to fix them in an upright position.
• Tin tiles from old ceilings make a beautiful fence due to the ornamentation on them. You can paint them different colours or the same. These too, need to have a framework to hold them.

• Old bicycles make a great fence. You can use them as they are, or pull them to pieces and use each piece to fill a designated gap in the fence. Many bikes go into landfill unnecessarily.
• Old doors can also be used for an unusual fence. Make sure they are external doors or they may not be strong enough. Ideal for privacy and a wind-break.
• Old pallets often have years of use left in them and the double thickness makes them extra strong. Paint or stain them for an attractive fence that costs next to nothing.
• We’ve heard of toughened glass pool fences, but what about glass bottles? Blue and green bottles make an attractive fence. You can line them up between horizontal boards, or have a hole cut in the bottom of each so they can be threaded on a spindle, then stand them vertically in rows. Other colours can also be used.
• Wheel rims of various sizes also make a great fence. Choose between bicycle wheels or wheels from old farm machinery – or both. Big ones on the bottom and smaller ones on the top.
• Window frames can be accessed from builders or recycling places. Paint them up and place as a fence, then add wire to train climbers onto if wished.
• Old skis are a bit like surfboards in shape so they too, can be used as fence palings if you can find enough.

When you put your mind to it, you may find many more items that can be used to make a fence. The more materials we can recycle, the less rubbish has to go into landfill and the more the earth’s resources are saved.