I took on a 'new ' plot about a month ago and I am clearing it a bit at a time using a mattock and fork. It is quite daunting , but by doing a ' little and often ' I can see progress which is rewarding. The soil is better than I expected but will be getting a treat in the autumn.
I have never used a rotovator ( if you have couch grass , the cut up roots simply re grow ) or weed killer. The only tools I use on a regular basis are Fork , Hoe , Rake , Shears and Secateurs and a wheel barrow.
Good luck , how big is your plot?