Weedkiller

If the site is totally overgrown with weeds, spray with weedkiller first so that you can then see the ground.

Glyphosate-based weedkillers will kill most weeds but not brambles. Nettles are only temporarily affected. Cut down the tops so that you can dig the plants up without being stung.

NB If there are caterpillars present, wait a week or so until they turn into butterflies.