First time allotmenteer/gardener

So I got my allotment keys last weekend (only waited two years).  It's very overgrown, has an enormous buddleia tree, two sheets of corrugated iron, an abandoned raised bed (probably salvagable), miscellaneous bits and pieces of random plastic, metal etc. and lots and lots of couch grass.  This is also the most excited I've been for months.  I ran around my plot waving my arms around in triumph, until eventually it dawned on me that I should probably be off buying tools and useful things.  I promptly failed at that by going to all the wrong places where there was nothing useful at all. 

So the couch grass is going to be a problem.  I've read this site and other sites, and digging appears to be the way forward.  Only there's just one of me and an awful lot of plot.  Does it help stop or weaken the grass if I cover everything with plastic?  Does this stop the grass from regrowing as I clear strip by strip?  Do I need to cover with manure?  Once dug up can I just take it to the tip and dump it there or should I be doing something clever with it?  I would very much like to be growing things in the spring so clearing the land now must surely be the way forward?

All advice welcomed!

p.s. I'm not so keen on weed killers ... I will use as a last resort but would rather not.

Congratulations on your new plot. I felt just the same as you (although I hadn't been waiting long and wasn't really expecting a plot - but that's another story!). I still feel just as excited. It is the best thing that I have done in a very long time. There is so much satisfaction in transforming a neglected piece of ground into a productive and beautiful plot. There is always something new to learn and it keeps you fit as well!
Couch is a pain, but not the worst weed and can be eradicated with persistence. I have cleared all mine by digging. Just take your time and be thorough.
Hope to see some pictures of your new plot sometime and hear all about your plans for it

Congratulations! It's a great feeling, and the best thing is that it doesn't wear off...

I echo what the others have already said. And right now is a great time for planning what you might do with the plot.

Everyone is different - I'd take it in small sections when the soil is dry enough to work, otherwise it gets a bit overwhelming. If the raised bed is reclaimable, you could possibly start there now with some hand weeding and pop in something that will grow over winter (like garlic or broad beans). That way you've got something going, which does make a huge difference.

I've had my plot since March, and have about half of it sorted. But that was because I inherited 5 raised(ish) beds. The rest is covered in couch, creeping buttercup, blackthorn and brambles. Next Spring will be all about digging!

Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice!  I will probably start on the raised bed ... it's at least and easily defined area to start on.