i want to put hedges in instead of a fence,can anyone give me any ideas on what to buy,i thought of conifer trees but im not sure.

Buxus hedging is good, cheap and easy to get hold of. Its the traditional looking hedging that most people cut square but can be cut into all shapes and sizes. Will take a few years to grow up but can go up to many many feet in height. Needs trimmed 2-3 times per year to keep tidy.

Cypress Laylandii is the conifer that grow VERY quick. It can reach 20-30 feet in height and so required vigorous pruning 2-3 times per year. However, there are various cypress hybrids that have been tamed and have a maximum growth height i.e dwarf which will reach about 4-5 feet in about 5 years. Talk to your local garden centre for ideas. Read the labels which will tell you expected height and spread (important coz if you plant them too close they will not thrive too far apart and you'll have gaps).

Both above mentioned are evergreen so no winter leaf drop. All the best - hedging is best for the environment and for wildlife too!