Sea Buckthorn planting to create a dense tree shelter-bely

Question

I live on the Isle of Skye.My garden is 60 to 80 feet above sea level and is circa 200 meters from the open coastal loch with RHum being ther next stop south eastwards.I need a very good shelter-belt of ecologically beneficial hardy plants.An open field drops from my garden to the small tidal estuary some 200m away.This field is used by ba crofter for sheep and cattle on alternate visits.Question: will Sea buckthorn be dangerous to these animals? As the soil is very peaty of ph:6,and well drained will this offer good growing conditions to S/B? Finally I have never seen the plant growing in the Western Isles before, therefore would it be classifield as a native invasive plant to be avoided in these coastal regions?? Thank you for your kind attention.

Answer 1

As far as I can tell, it is disputed whether sea buckthorn is introduced or native to Scotland. I am not sure about whether it may be considered invasive in the Isle of Skye, so you might want to contact a local expert, such as an extension agent at a university near you (that has a horticulture, agriculture, or natural resources program) with your question. It is a fast-spreading plant.

Both sheep and cattle can graze on sea buckthorn, but if it becomes a dense thicket, it will keep the animals out and they will probably avoid it.