Keeping the hedge is all well and good but you need to be mindful of the upkeep/trimming it will need, fencing it’s done and will last years with only painting needed, Which one would work better for you, cost wise and time wise Personally as u said I wld agree to u doing 3/4 panels down the bottom and then as funds allow work your way up the garden. What’s on the left side of the garden restricting ur sunlight? Seems very dark? Xx good luck with whatever u decide x