Huge garden - nettles - black stuff

I haven't quite got the hang of the likes, thanks buttons and smilies but I'd like to say now that I'm very grateful for all these very helpful and friendly replies. I logged on in desperation last week, and I'm going to enjoy being part of this forum.

I've never been much of a gardener - but I'm going to work on that, and I will enjoy it! :D

I really can't fancy looking after livestock, but it is a good idea. I believe the previous owners kept a couple of sheep. There's a shooting range closeby and in the winter we have some pheasants hanging around. I like pheasants. The're dumb but funny. They hoover up the sunflower seeds the goldfinches chuck on ground.

I should have said that since I took the photos we've chopped the evergreens down by half. That side is still very shady, but it's vastly improved. Its also sorted! We used all the chopped material as a mulch on top of black fabric and have a strip about 10ft wide that's tidy. I hadn't thought about it being frost free, but I think you're right.

Yes, it does seem to be very fertile. I'd forgotten, last year we put in 3 giant pumpkin plants. I had a little 6ft square patch prepared by the house (and next to the fence) but a friend warned me that it might annoy the neighbours. Good call - pumpkin vines are something else!

I'ts going to be difficult to get machinery and heavy stuff to the bottom. The plot borders the coast path and there's no access. Moving anything down there is hard work.

The idea of working out from the path is a nice one, but we have NO overall ideas for a plan. I just can't imagine what we can do with it. At the moment I just want to get it weed free and tidy. If that means it's covered in mangy carpet for an extended period - that'll be fine! When we're ready to do something more I'll post dimensions and pictures on the appropriate bit of the Forum and ask for advice. Till then we need to get the house sorted - and there are things I need to ask about front garden....and the ponds...