Hedging for a poor soil

[Stephen]

I have just taken out a big old Layland conifer hedge and the soil left behind is to say the least bad! Does anyone have any advice for a new hedging plant that would survive in sandy soil that's low in nutrients? I've heard that Portuguese laurel is pretty bomb-proof. I know I'll have to put in some muck to help things along but I want to keep the cost down as much as possible.

[Stephen]

[betula]

Blackthorn maybe. :)