A tensioned barrier, comprising a chain link or mesh fence providing a secure perimeter, is provided. The fence is tensioned by grabbing and holding one end of the mesh link, wrapping the mesh around a perimeter of the fence poles, including wrapping the mesh around the outside of corner poles, pulling the mesh at its distal end to create a tension in the mesh and then grabbing the distal end of the mesh and securing it to the final fence pole. The fence is created using a high strength small weave mesh that resists cutting and climbing. In one embodiment the fence is created adjacent a structure, using the structure as an element of the barrier. In another embodiment, a fully fenced area is created by placing the first fence pole at a small distance apart from the final fence pole, with the other poles forming a perimeter, and tensioning and wrapping the mesh around all of the poles, affixing the ends of the mesh to the first and final poles and providing a gate or door between the first and final poles.