Hi Natter, and welcome to the forums!
Why not just ride flat pedals? My mate rides them, and loves them to bits.
I've been riding my SPD'S for 9 odd years, and love them to bits...when I 1st used them though, I was always falling off and cracking my knee on rocks and stuff, so I quickly learnt how to get out of them pronto *otherwise the hospital would've put a name plate on one of the beds for me!?*
As Jon said above, you can get toeclips without straps, and they're pretty good for all sorts of riding, and gaining your confidence.
Anyhow, whatever you decide to use, it's gonna take time and practise to get used to them
, just my 2 p's worth!
Rich