plants/hedging for a wind break, which ones?

[pjb]

On my new allotment there was a windbreak made from oak trees, I've cut this down (they were definately too big) and dug up the roots (which was fun  :( ). Now I'd like to replace the windbreak come hedge with different plants, it'll be approx 30 ft long and I'd like to keep to 6ft high max. What can I use for this? I'd like something fairly quick growing and preferably something that flowers, something "pretty", any ideas?
Thanks.

[pjb]

[froglets]

you could try Escallonia - there are lots of types, so check the variety.  Not sure how long lasting they might be - that's the trade off between fast growing & slower. 
Eleagnus is an option but fewer flowers. 
Non invasive bamboo like Phyllostachys aureosulcata maybe. 
Some hebe's get to a fair height quickly & have flowers bees love, downside is they can be bushy & you have to do a rotation of cuttings to replace them with when the older ones get woody & straggly.
Weigela, another possibility.

All I can suggest for now

Cheers

[star]

You could plant some native species in there too, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel. They will encourage wildlife (birds) and make great nesting sites. You also get the benefit of haws, sloes and nuts. There's the dog rose as well for hips.

Yup they're mostly prickly........but the birds will love you ;)

[cambourne7]

what about a line (a very long line) of raspberrys?

You could also build a frame and train blackcurrant and other rambelling plants.

I would sugest that you had a look at http://www.hedging.co.uk/ which will also calculate how many plants you needed per foot.

[artichoke]

http://www.timpanogosnursery.com/site/928760/page/416906

What about growing a goji berry hedge? Mine will be to discourage dogs and boys because it is very thorny, but I also hope to live for ever on the berries, and the flowers look quite nice too. I offer this American site because it is informative, but you can get them in this country too. I bought 3 for £20 and am about to take cuttings, so it's a rather longterm project.

Both this and blackthorn sucker a lot, so would have to be watched.