OK folks, so this looks a right old mess! But I have started!!
Started what? Started to overlay in stones and gravel on a variety od weed suppressents like old carpet and plastic (making sure the tree in the middle will always have access to enough moisture.)
On finding out where to obtain stones and gravel - local quarry - I ordered half a load of gravel and half a load of stone. Amazingly it arrived the very next day!
Two great heaps in front of the house - would I ever shift it all?