These trees take all of the moisture out of the soil that they grow in so I don't think you will have much luck with anything else growing there. If I had them growing 20 feet from my window I would find it very depressing and replace them with something else, but then I hate leylandii with a vengeance.

oh I so agree Cammomile. My neighbour has these monstrosities and I hate them .
What about cutting them down to 6ft at least Audz if you want to keep them but if I was you they would be gone pronto .
I think you will be amazed at the difference in both light and space if you do :-)

As Cammomile says they deplete the soil of goodness and moisture so I doubt much will survive trying to grow through them. I too inherited a house with such a hedge and without realising it grew out of control and too big to manage. We had to get the local farmer in to bull doze the thing out eventually and what a relief it was. We planted a much neater hawthorn and hazel hedge in its place which quickly grew to give us privacy. Keep on top of it or you will loose all your light

Thanks everyone!
I do loathe the hedge! I live in Aberdeen -would a hawthorn and hazel hedge thrive here? I must say it does appeal!
Audz

I'm sure they would thrive, they seem to grow in most hedgerows in the wild and are so much prettier. Think of all the birds you would make happy!

id definatly cut them down . just put some split bamboo on a roll up untill you have grown some more privacy .

Thanks for your ideas. The leylandii days are definitely numbered! Audz

your welcome .