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raised bed / brassicas
I'm currently in the process of making some raised beds, one is going to be dedicated to brassicas. had a massive problem with white butterflies last year 
I found a picture on line and thought id try and re create something similar
I have some flimsy pea and bean netting given to me but don't really want to use that for this. when my greenhouse blew away last year I saved the shade kit for it, do you think that would be ok to use or do I need to start looking around for something else????
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You can buy garden netting from nurseries, garden centres, hardware shops etc. It needs to be 1/2" (12mm) or smaller mesh to keep the butterflies out, but not a closely-woven mesh that will obstruct light, or you'll get tall thin plants. Don't stretch it too tightly, but don't let it it flap about either. Peg down the edges, or use heavy stones.
The supports are lengths of polypropylene tubing, designed for water pipes and offcuts are often to be found in skips and on building sites. Or, as a last resort, you could buy it! It needs to go at least a couple of feet into the ground.
You will, of course, be rotating your beds so that what has brassicas in this year has something else at least next year and the year after, won't you?
Ah yes - canes and hosepipe are good
Useful to stabilise it longitudinally too, either with a wooden frame as shown in the photo, or a string tightly strung along the top. Remember that some brassicas (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) get pretty tall! My friends who grow lots have a low one for cabbages etc. and a high one for the tall plants.
Some butterflies will get in - have no qualms about squashing them if you can - and some leaves near the netting will get eggs laid on them from outside - check and squash regularly. The net will reduce the problem by 90% though.
Then all you have to worry about are aphids. And slugs. And...... Brassicas are the most susceptible of all crops to pests, I find, but if you really like them, (I don't, much) they're worth the effort.
I would think that shade netting would work. The green tunnels seem to be made of this or something very similar and I grow cabbages in them. I also have a cage with which I use micro fleece which also works fine. Brassicas like a bit of shade, I think.
Good luck with the paths - will you be able to wheel a fully-laden barrow on shingle?
Arranging the plants as you describe might ge a good plan. Are you havng broccoli or kale as well?
Shade's all very well if we have a sunny summer. IF. And remember that some plants will be still there into the winter too. (Don't be tempted then to remove the netting since there will be no butterflies about - the pigeons will shred the lot!)
Steve, no broccoli or kale this year. Broccoli I've always found too much effort for what I get out of it but never say never..... Kale is on the list for next year. I have 12 Brussels 12 romanesco cauli 12 purple cauli 12 White cauli 12 red cabbage and 12 white cabbage that I've grown from seed. What I don't put in the bed my dad will take either for his poly tunnel or his allotment cage. pigeons are indeed a nuisance too so will keep net on. In terms of wheel barrow I'm going to put 2 decking planks screwed together so about 24cm wide between the beds and then shingle between the planks and the beds if that makes sense...... I'm sure it won't stop all the slugs but I'm hoping many will give up and go next door