Author Archives: Neil Frost

Some of our regulars couldn’t make it today. But four of our finest OWL volunteers could – meaning between us we’d potentially be able litterpick all of the cruising area.

Two groups of two set off enthusiastically. We really appreciate the fact that so many guys put their rubbish – whether it’s empty drink cans or condoms and wipes – in the rubbish sacks we provide across the cruising ground. However, it’s a bit annoying when there’s a bag available but rubbish has been chucked on the ground.

By the way, it’s even more annoying when our bags get ripped down and the rubbish strewn around on the ground and in the bushes.

 Great volunteers

Great work

Time for a refreshment break

Then back for more, including the essential task of replacing bags ripped open by foxes or torn down by idiots.

The final count for today’s litterpick, the equivalent of 23 of our regular sized bags.

Plus a further 28 bags collected by our solo litterpickers – who keep things under control between our monthly litterpicks – giving a total of 51 sacks this month.

Although we don’t expect it it’s always good to get thanked by passers-by for the work we do. HUGE thanks to the guy who today gave us £20. We’ll use that to cover some of our OWL expenses.

Please note that we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. There might have been more OWL volunteers taking part than are in the above pictures.No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session.

A great team of community-minded volunteers were ready to do some cleaning up of the litter in the cruising area. As it had been so wet it the prediction was that few guys would have been cruising and therefore there wouldn’t be too much litter. Wrong!

 Seven experienced volunteers in all, who set off in three teams to cover the entire cruising ground. We even managed to cover the area opposite the school.

 Experienced volunteers can find litter anywhere.

We are always surprised at some of the things that we find. One of our solo volunteers recently found a crisp £20 note that he’s generously donated towards our OWL expenses. And today one of our OWLs found a cool pair of sunglasses. (If you think they could be yours contact us – owlsnaresbrook@gmail.com – and if you can give sufficient detail to prove that they are yours we’ll arrange to get them back to you).

 More litter; more work.

With their bags full, and in some cases overflowing (refuting the theory that there wouldn’t be much litter to collect!) it was time for a welcome refreshment break. What a cheerful group!

We reckoned we’d cleared practically everywhere and we were due an early finish, although one keen volunteer couldn’t resist going back to do a bit more.

The equivalent of 19 of our regular rubbish sacks collected in this month’s litterpick.

Plus 18 sacks collected by our ‘solo’ litterpickers giving a total of 37 sacks of litter for the month.

 Another great effort.

 Please note that we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. There might have been more OWL volunteers taking part than are in the above pictures.

No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session.

Another OWL litterpick. Another opportunity to empty our black sacks and clear up the sexual debris scattered around the cruising area. As well as cans, bottles, newspapers and so on.

The health and safety briefing over it was time to get down to work with volunteers dealing with all areas of the woods.

As usual our OWLs worked their way through the cruising area, picking up the range of litter that we’re so familiar with. It was good to be joined by a new volunteer.

Looks like someone has been dogging!

Our sacks were filling up quickly. Here’s the litter collected in just a few minutes at one location on The Mound.

Half time, so an opportunity to go back to base for some refreshments.

Then back out, ready for more of the same.

And finally the return to the start and bags placed for collection at the side of the road.

The equivalent of 21 of our usual size rubbish sacks today. With 35 having been collected by our ‘solo’ litterpickers that gives a total for the last month of 56 sacks. That’s fifty six sacks of rubbish that won’t offend other users of the woods, won’t affect wildlife and won’t remain in the environment for very many years to come.

Please note that we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. There might have been more OWL volunteers taking part than are in the above pictures.

No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session.

A bright crisp morning for this, our first OWL litterpick of 2024. Several of our regulars couldn’t be there, so it was especially good to be able to welcome a new volunteer.

Safety briefing over, it was off to work. In places the woods were looking good

In other places the woods weren’t looking so good

But we know what we are there for and three groups, heading in different directions, took on the task of removing sexual debris and other rubbish from around the cruising area, including emptying the rubbish sacks we’ve left in strategic places.

After an hour’s litterpicking in such cold weather the warming refreshments were appreciated.

And talking of appreciation, we found a £5 note. If anyone can  give us the full code number they can reclaim it! Otherwise it goes towards the cost of refreshments!!!

Lots more work done after the break.

Some in the woods.

And some on the road where a lot of cruising takes place at night.

Finally, time to return with our loaded sacks

And to place them at the roadside ready for collection.

The equivalent of 25 of our regular-size rubbish sacks. Plus 28 collected by our solo litterpickers. Making a total, this last month, of 53 sacks. Job done!

Thanks to those who dispose of their rubbish and sexual debris considerately. Those who don’t………..please help keep the cruising area as an area that can  be appreciated by all users.

Please note that we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. There might have been more OWL volunteers taking part than are in the above pictures.

No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session.

Our last monthly Litterpick of 2023. It was OWL’s Festive Fun Litterpick and some were definitely appropriately attired!

With a good turnout of loyal members we made good progress through the woods, picking up the usual sexual debris and emptying the rubbish sacks and bins we’ve strategically placed throughout the cruising area.

Having two groups working in dfifferent directions meant that we could cover lots of territory with everyone applying themselves to the task in hand.

With most of the area covered it was time for a break and for refreshments. And they were both Festive and generous! Hot drinks including mulled wine, a selection of warm mince pies and various other snacks – just what we needed on a cool, damp, morning.Some of us had to leave. Others carried on to do the final tidying up.Finally, the sacks were placed at the roadside ready for collection.Todays sack-count: the equivalent of 22 of our usual size sacks. Plus 31 collected by our solo litterpickers in the last month. A total of 53 for the month. That takes the total so far this year to 607 sacks – and probably a few more sacksful to be collected before the year ends. Amazing!

Huge thanks to our loyal OWLs who have worked hard throughout the year to keep the cruising area litter-free (And therefore reduce the likelihood of enforcement measures like patrols by wardens. We want good cruising to continue uninterrupted.

And a Merry Festive Season to all Snaresbrook Cruisers from the OWLs!

Please note that we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. There might have been more OWL volunteers taking part than are in the above pictures.

No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session.