...zero air traffic control...
Although I admit that for GA flying ATC is generally more a nuisance than a significant help (unless IMC/IFR), it's a fact of life that you will need them at some point in time. In the UK more, and of a more varied type, than in the US/Canada.
So do make sure you get a lot of exposure to ATC, both en-route and terminal, even if your home base is a non-radio or CTAF field.