Update

SO, the back end has got very overgrown again, as I've been concentrating on the other end.

Went up today to start the clearing.  Now whilst I like the idea of an airdropped run of Agent Orange, its somewhat frowned upon after Vietnam, so I just attacked it by pulling and digging.  

Most of it was yet more 'Good King Henry', which is easy to pull out, but it was all heavy with seed pods, so I hope not too many dropped, or will die off when under the plastic. I composted it all, so also hoping THOSE seeds don't survive.  Lots of 'hoping'.... 

The mass of brambles was another matter. That was a right pain, and a couple of the main root lumps will need digging out soon, but at least I've hacked my way to them. 

I've been collecting a bunch of good straight bramble twigs, as I plan to use them as a natural barrier against slugs for my lettuce (going in soon, late I know, but worth a try).  I've seen it done and its supposedly very effective.

So here we are so far.