Thanks for the welcome and replies :-) Like I said, in an ideal world I'd like one of the 2 allotments which back on to my house, then I could just put a gate in and don't have to have a shed there! But I know the chaps who have those so that's not going to happen. You're right mumofstig, a shed is a must, I was hoping for a greenhouse too! Probably being greedy. I heard some allotment holders talking to a new guy on the site. The council had cleared half the plot, he'd taken it on, then got snotty letters form the authority asking about when he was going to clear the rubbish! The only large tree on the site is on one of the plots that back on to my house so I know the rest are pretty much shade free. Unless the plot I'm offered is close to the tap, I think I'll wait for another offer on the site. Is this unreasonable or sensible?