Bees in our allotment - advice needed

[yoyo]

We have just taken over an allotment and went to tackle the worst of the weeds today. We discovered a very active bees' nest in the soil and don't know what we can do about it. Any suggestions?

Also, has anyone resorted to weedkiller when they have a plot that has really become overgrown? If so, what one would you recommend (DH is keen but I prefer the hard graft route)?

Re the bees I'm not sure, I'll try to ask my Pa when I see him next (he was a bee keeper!).

Re the weeds, we took over an allotment at the beginning of the year and it's got a lot of couch grass in so we've covered the worst two thirds of it in Tildenet Permatex (I think it was Permatex anyway). It was quite expensive, but as we're reckoning on keeping it covered for at least two yearst to get rid of the stuff once and for all it's worth it. Also, we'll use it to cover empty plots if we don't grow green manure. We certainly didn't want to resort to weedkiller as we'll be eating the vegetables which came out of it!