Thanks for all the advice; after all of that the Allotment Secretary has offered me a plot at the bottom of the hill on the flat. the person who was going to take it over originally pulled out! And after I had dug and planted a bed 14' by 4'. Cathabercaseg - you were right, 4' was a bit wide and I did have to stand on a board!! However, word on the street (allotment wise) is that I can dig up my brassicas and transfer them to my 'new' plot. Lord, I thought I was excited before but now I am really looking forward to getting stuck in. Roll on the 6 weeks hols.