Allotments and wildlife
Allotments are a great way of learning about growing vegetables. Experienced allotment growers are often very encouraging towards newcomers, willing to share tips, tools and seedling plants and seeds to help you get going. Allotment fees are low, but there has been a recent surge of interest so you may find a long waiting list.
Consider planting fruit trees or other slow growing ornamental trees in your allotment to provide birds with perches. Keep a grassy area for relaxing and plant it with a wild flower mix. Leave some untidy areas with vegetables that you have finished harvesting during cold months, as long as they are not spreading pests or diseases, to encourage wildlife. Avoid peat-based compost and develop skills in producing your own compost.
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Useful links
Allotments UK A comprehensive site for UK allotments
Allotment Growing A personal diary and reference site for allotment owners
Gardeners World How to build a compost bin
Garden Organic How to make compost
Tearfund - Footsteps Making compost
I've recently taken on an allotment on heavy clay soil. Seems pretty fertile. We've been double digging and adding lime, but others around us are all building (very expensive) wooden raised beds. I guess time will tell but is this really a justifiable input for what is supposed to be low cost gardening?