I have a plot on Hurstbourne Road allotments. We put our name down when we first moved here even though we didn't want the plot right then, because we knew the waiting list was so long. When we got it 3 years later, it was perfect timing. The kids love it and are learning so much about vegetables and fruit.

Also its not actually that much hard work if you are organised about it. We put in raised beds and paths (wood from skips thanks to all the loft conversions in this area, and paving slabs from freecycle). Weed control fabric under paths. The raised beds keeps the weeds off and means the kids know where they can and can't walk. Cover up any areas you aren't cultivating with thick black plastic to keep the weeds down. Otherwise the weeds take over suprisingly quickly and the seeds just spread.

Don't feel you have to do the whole plot at once. In our first year we only did one bed and we covered the rest up. The next year we did two more beds... and so on. It kept it manageable and meant it wasn't overwhelming.

If you don't have time to sow your own seeds don't despair, all the local garden centres sell vegetable plants. Shannons are good quality (but not cheap!) and they have a great range. Their strawberry plants are really good - we have a whole bed!

Speak to other allotment holders about what grows well in this area. Our soil and climate suit some plants better than others. But the soil can change even between different allotment sites so speak to you neighbouring plot holders - they will only be too grateful to pass on their tips! I am gradually learning what is successful and what not to bother with (we always have a problem with potato blight for example, so I only grow early potatoes).

I don't know about other allotments, but the main animal issues we have are foxes (chew everything esp gardening gloves, and leave animal bones and droppings) and pigeons (eat all the fruit and seedlings esp peas, so net it all) - luckily no danger of rabbit problems around here!

On the subject - shouldn't Lewisham Council be tackling the issue of ridiculously long waiting lists for allotments? Are they doing anything to find new sites? There is some legislation about Councils being obliged to provide a sufficient number of allotments ... will have a look for it.

We actually only have a half size plot because of the long waiting lists they are not giving out whole size plots anymore.