Category Archives: Pix and Picks

With two of our group members starting litterpicking early we knew this was going to be another excellent session.

Again we made good progress and again we were aware of the fact that, despite there being no reduction of activity in the woods, more and more guys are being considerate and taking their litter away with then to put in the bins.

But that wasn’t just our point of view. We were pleased to chat to one of the guys employed by the City of London Corporation to pick up litter, and who has been doing the job for years. He gave us independent confirmation that there is increasingly less sexual debris being left around. We can’t say fairer than that!

If there’s litter around we are going to find it.

During the time OWLs have been litterpicking in the woods we’ve found some strange items. We’ve been wondering if someone, maybe new to cruising for guys, got the message wrong when he was told to try Grindr!

It’s a grinding disc, not a Grindr dick!

We made even faster progress when we were joined by another of our regular litterpickers. The fact that there was less sexual debris meant that we could range further and wider than we sometimes do. Intelligence we had received led us to two ‘hotspots’ we hadn’t been to before. And significant work was done in the bushes across the main road.

With so much energy being expended the break for some refreshments is always welcome.

There’s always lots to go round

Then back to the task in hand, with further opportunities to visit places we don’t always get to.

Before

After

All good things must come to an end and we reckoned it was time to head back to base and check how much rubbish we’d collected.

Another good haul

Placed beside the road ready to be picked up, evidence of another good morning’s work. An impressive twenty six sacks! Thanks, guys.

(Please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session)

As we met we knew we were going to be one man down (well let’s face it, when a man goes down it’s not always a bad thing!!!) but that was balanced up by someone turning up who we hadn’t expected – result!

Another group of experienced litterpickers, so we knew we were going to be a good team. With some ensuring that they cleaned up particular areas they knew of (we didn’t ask how!) it was more of a random wander than a strategic assault. That was no bad thing as we ranged wide through the woods. Yet again we observed that the amounts if sexual debris that we usually collect just wasn’t there. Thanks to those who are being considerate.

That’s not to say that everyone is being considerate, of course. We still had plenty to do. But what’s not to like?! A friendly group of guys enjoying each other’s company; fresh air and exercise; doing something useful both for the cruisers who enjoy the area and the many other legitimate users of the area. And the knowledge that the less sexual debris there is to cause offence to others the less likelihood there is that there will be complaints and therefore the less likelihood that there will be enhanced ‘enforcement’ by the use of extra patrols by Forest Rangers or even police.

Somehow, however separated we’ve become as we have pursued our various chosen routes, we manage to get back to the car park to have our refreshments together.

Always plenty of choice. Always plenty of refills!

Onwards after refreshments, and with the knowledge that as we were finishing, one of our stalwart volunteers who had another commitment while the litterpick was on would nevertheless be arriving to start doing his bit.

A very efficient litterpick where we ranged far and wide with impressive results.

With so much ‘seed’ being spread in the woods we guess it’s inevitable that some will sprout!

Ok, we know it’s fungi but use your imagination!

A lot of work was done. A lot of litter was collected. Our final huge load – an impressive 27 sacks.

We are always pleased to get a large load

(Please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session)

Another opportunity to clean up the cruising area and four of our stalwart volunteers were there to do it.

As usual, with experienced volunteers, we were able to make good progress. And we couldn’t help noticing that, even at this time of year when the whole area is popular for a wide range of activities by a wide range of users, there was much less litter of all kinds – and especially sexual debris – than we might have expected.

Naturally, some of the ‘hot spots’ had been host to some very hot activity.

Just one of the regular hotspots

Good to know the facility is being well-used. Just a pity that some users continue to do something as simple as dropping their used goods in a bin, or taking them away.

A good first-half and we headed back to base for well-earned refreshments. Always appreciated and always ample choice thanks to the generosity of members of the group.

The traditional spot for our refreshments!

The second half of our litterpick was just as productive – and just as much fun. We don’t take ourselves too seriously (is it possible to be very serious when picking up the intimate items – often still covered in bodily substances! – of last night’s or yesterday’s shag?!). In fact the gentle banter and genial conversations seem to make time pass very quickly.

And our final haul for this litterpick – a very respectable 19 sacks.

(Please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session)

Another OWL Litterpick. Another group of friendly guys willing to go where many men have been before and clean up much of the sexual debris that some have left. And for this litterpick we were pleased – and indeed honoured – to be joined by George Monck, the Chief Executive of CleanupUK, who had come along to see what we do. This as a result of OWL being judged to be one of the most effective litterpicking groups in the Waltham Forest area. It was good to talk with him and exchange views and ideas.

With a group of such experienced guys it was clear we were going to make good progress and, although setting off in a possibly less-coordinated way than usual, everyone was on a mission.

George was an enthusiastic participant!

Each of the ‘hotspots’ received attention. And it was good to see that, whilst there was still enough sexual debris around to draw attention to what goes on there, there was, again, much less than we would usually expect. Thanks to those who ensure that they take away their used condoms, foils, lube sachets, etc. It makes a difference! Progress was so fast that it was soon time to return to the car park for some welcome refreshments.

OK, take our picture if you must!

This was not going to be the usual refreshment break, though. Yes, there was the usual humour, and yes, there were plenty of refreshments for everyone. But today was a bit special as OWL was pleased to be acknowledged by way of the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation.

George Monck, Chief Executive of CleanupUK, presents OWL with the Certificate

Whereas our motivation in litterpicking is to try to make the area better for everyone by cleaning it up, it is nevertheless a credit to everyone who has taken part in an OWL litterpick, that we have collectively received this recognition.

It’s good to be appreciated!

After our refreshment break time for more. And this time we split into two groups to ensure we were most effective.

We can see you!

There is always plenty to do, and with such fast-working and diligent participants we were able to range more widely across a much larger area of the woods than is often the case.

If the Y-Fronts with ‘bite me’ embroidered on them are yours, they’ve gone!

Deep, deep in the woods it seemed that someone had had a good shoot!

So many opportunities for wise-crack comments!

A check round after the main litterpick had ended showed that everyone had done an excellent task in completely clearing ‘their’ areas of litter. What a group of stars we have! And we think we’ve gained another record – 37 sacks of rubbish collected. Such an achievement!

It’s another large load!

Please be wise like OWL – keep the woods clean for everyone to enjoy!

(Please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted. No inferences should be drawn from anyone’s participation in an OWL litterpicking session)

An additional Sunday morning litterpick, suggested by those who couldn’t be free for our monthly Tuesday morning litterpicks. It was good to get a response from those who could join in a weekend session.

A lovely bright sunny morning and we were soon ‘good to go’. We were pleased to be joined by our friendly Forest Ranger. Unlike the perception that might be a result of attitudes of some of his colleagues, he is totally ok about what goes on in the woods. No attitude, good to be with, and an extra benefit being that he is a bit of a hunk!

Again, it seemed that there was less litter than we are used to collecting – hopefully more guys are using the bins or taking their litter away with them. While our main team was dealing with the area of the woods to the west of the car park another volunteer was doing an excellent job across the road in the area in front of the school.

Nevertheless, some of the hotspots showed considerable use, judging by the amount of sexual debris left there (is it that difficult to take it away?!). The Gym was disgusting. The Dirty Den was pretty foul. But Honeysuckle Corner was fragrant!

The refreshments were more than ample. We are happy for non-litterpickers to join us when we have a break. We believe we are a welcoming group and there’s usually some friendly banter.

Some of the rubbish sacks were collected and taken away before we finished, but we reckon our ‘bag score’ was good, with 20 sacks of rubbish having been collected.

Some good news again – since OWL has been doing the litterpicks there have been no complaints to the City of London Corporation from members of the public about litter!

(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)

It was just the right day to spend a while in the woods! Beautiful weather and the relative coolness between the trees.
Our party of six made quick progress through the usual hot spots which thankfully were a lot less littered than usual – hopefully it’s because more cruisers are taking their litter away rather than less sex taking place! Perhaps our signs are having an effect?
With much enthusiasm to get their sacks filled, our plucky volunteers made their ways right across to Woodford New Road – further than the OWLs have ventured for quite a long time, and in some cases the first time some locations have ever been visited.

The Prize Find of the Day: a large leopard skin fur ‘onesie’ – have there been any rumours of a ‘big cat of Epping Forest’ on the loose? Or was it just someone offering a large amount of pussy?!

Given the lack of litter in some of the usual hotspots it was another impressive haul of litter – the equivalent of 20 of our usual sacks.

Thanks everyone.
As a result of some who would like to take part in our OWL litterpicking sessions not being able to get along on weekdays, OWL has organised an extra ‘weekend’ session to take place on Sunday, 2nd July; usual arrangements – start off from the Snaresbrook Road Car Park at 10.30 am. Everyone is welcome. All equipment provided, and free refreshments as usual.

(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)

A couple of our ‘regulars’ couldn’t make it today, but the four who turned up were skilled in every way meaning that fast progress was made.
Taking the usual well-trodden route (by us and by a myriad of cruisers) our team swiftly moved through the woods, visiting the various ‘hot spots’ (or Areas of Outstanding Natural Activity). It’s a shame that so many guys feel that it’s appropriate to throw so much litter away rather than take it away or put it in a bin. But at the same time it’s good to see so much evidence of horny activity. Lots of condoms and condom foils, lube sachets, tissues and wipes as usual, among them some interesting condom brands that we haven’t seen before.

If it’s litter and it’s accessible with a litterpicker it has to go in the sack

Our team had been advised that there were places we hadn’t visited before that needed attention but on arrival there we found that some of our volunteers had discovered them previously and had already dealt with them – nevertheless there was still work to do there.
Having earned a break it was back to the car park for some very adequate refreshments.

Plenty for everyone!

Already the haul of litter was impressive – although it’s possible that there was potentially less than we might have expected. Thanks to those who have started, or continued, taking their litter away.

Three of our volunteers, and the haul of sacks, at half time

OWL likes to be thought of far less as the litter police and far more as the litter fairies (!). But some of us don’t get how some people can take a bag with four cans of beer in it, and throw each of the empties on the ground along with the bag, when there’s a bin very close by! Oh well! They fill our sacks!
Onward to other areas, and we had the benefit of being led deep into the woods by a regular cruiser (well we’ve all been there!) who wanted to make us aware of places we might not have discovered – again, we knew them already!
Finally the session was over. A good haul of litter. The equivalent of about 21 of our usual-size sacks. And, for the moment, a much cleaner cruising area likely to draw less attention and less complaints.

It had been another good day. Thanks to those who took part. Now time for some of us to retrace our steps in case there was anything of interest we might have missed….!

(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)

This was OWL’s first regular monthly litterpick of 2017, although we had already done an additional ‘Spring Clean’ five weeks ago.

Six enthusiastic volunteers were involved, including two very welcome new group members, both of whom took to litterpicking like naturals (and it’s fair to say, certainly seemed to know their way round the cruising areas!).

As usual there was plenty for us to do and we were soon filling our sacks with the usual range of litter. Cans and bottles. Tissues and wipes (wipes don’t rot – they are a threat to the environment and to wildlife). Condoms, condom foils and lube sachets. And as well as the ‘usual’, the ‘unusual’. The most unusual this time were probably golf balls in condoms (a ‘home made’ version of Love Eggs? – well it is Easter!).

With a good number of sacks filled and a good area of the woods covered the refreshment break, and the refreshments, were much appreciated.

Three of our six volunteers enjoy their refreshments

Then, with one of our number – who had interrupted his holiday to be able to take part – having had to leave, we moved on to another area of the woods that we know is also popular with cruisers.

Again, plenty for us to do, and lots of effort going into making sure that as much sexual debris, and other litter, was removed. Understandably, there are those users of the area who are offended by the amount of sexual debris that they and their children can find so easily, and we know that removing this litter reduces complaints. OWL wants good horny cruising to take place at the woods, and wants to maintain everyone’s right to cruise there. We also acknowledge that there are other legitimate users of the area. OWL believes that everyone should be able to enjoy the woods, and that this is best achieved by reducing the offence that sexual debris can cause.

And there’s plenty about

No shortage of used condom foils – or litterpickers to remove them

Eventually we reckoned we had covered the main cruising areas and returned to our base at the car park to tie and staple the rubbish sacks together. That was going to be the end of today’s litterpick but three of our volunteers felt that there were some areas that still needed attention and set off again, for a third session. After all, the weather was good and why not use the opportunity to check out a few of those already cruising?!

Finally we’d bagged all we were going to bag for the day. An impressive 29 sacks of rubbish. And as we were using larger sacks today, this probably equated to 35 of the usual sacks we use – another record!

Another impressive bag-count! We like an impressive load!

If you cruise at Snaresbrook please consider making the place better by taking your used condoms, condom foils, lube sachets, tissues and wipes away from where you’ve had your fun. Either dispose of them at home, or use one of the bins that are available – on the track through the woods or at the corner of the car park. Thank you!

(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)

OWL had been asked to take part in the Great British Spring Clean taking place over this weekend and we were pleased to oblige.

The weather forecast for a morning of litterpicking in the woods couldn’t have been much worse, and nor could the amount of rain that was falling as we drove there. Nevertheless, five intrepid souls turned up, although it seemed that one got lucky before he even started and we saw nothing more of him! Particular credit to one of our group for being prepared to be there – only days earlier he had been made homeless due to a fire in his flat.

Given that it was three months since we last litterpicked as a group (although one of our number has been doing his thing every month to try to keep the amount of litter down) there was potentially less sexual debris to collect than we’d expected.

It didn’t take long for us to be deep in the woods

We had a fine team who made quick work of the task, cruising through the various hotspots and collecting the usual condoms, condom foils, lube sachets, tissues and wipes – and the odd bottle of poppers. And among them, as well as the various cans, bottles, and fast-food containers, stranger items like a packet of tomato seeds and a can of WD40.

Condom-friendly? We can’t be sure!

It didn’t take long for our sacks to be filled and it was time to return to the car park and relax for a short while over tea, coffee and cakes.

Plenty for everyone – and thanks for the generous donations to the refreshment stock.

Then off out to another area of the woods. Some cruisers have been busy and some have gone in deep to find suitable facilities. We reckon we know most of the places – although we were a bit bemused to find a hoard  of empty Highland Spring water bottles at one of them!

Deep within the holly bushes again.

A good morning’s work. The rain had stopped just as we’d started so we hadn’t got wet. Eighteen sacks-worth of rubbish had been removed, making it less likely that there will be complaints from other users of the woods and the subsequent ‘enforcement’ by police and Forest Rangers.

Not a bad haul

If you cruise at Snaresbrook please consider taking your sexual debris away with you, or putting it in one of the bins on your way out.

(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)

A familiar sight for many as we gathered for this additional Festive Litterpick

As sometimes happens elsewhere, we started with 4 but swelled to 6 during the session! All experienced volunteers, we soon got underway, taking our usual route through the various hotspots, picking up what on this occasion was a much higher proportion of sexual debris and a much lower proportion of bottles and cans – hardly surprising given the time of year.

Our sack-count was increasing and it didn’t seem long before it was time to carry them back to the car park and to take advantage of the excellent and generous refreshments – which of course included the festive theme of mulled wine and mince pies. Thanks to those who donated them.

With two extra volunteers having joined us we were soon back to work, as usual enjoying being part of a friendly group and in high spirits (potentially helped by the mulled wine!).

The Santas were filling their sacks well, progressing through the hot spots some of us know so well, but maybe just a little disappointed that the number we were filling this time wasn’t going to match the excellent totals on the last two litterpicks.

Then, just as we thought we were about to finish, two of our volunteers came across a positive Treasure Trove of litter. Many of us like a happy ending and this find enabled us to have one. Our sacks filled rapidly!

Finally, having wished each other Season’s Greetings, some of us headed home while others of us stayed to check on the quality of our work (and the quality of others in the woods). Some other sacks were then emptied and one keen volunteer filled another two rubbish sacks, taking this litterpick’s total to an impressive 27 sacks.

Although some of us will be doing the odd solo litterpick over the winter months, today’s session was the last group litterpick until we start again in April.

Be wise like OWL – consider how you can help everyone enjoy the woods – and not be offended by sexual debris – by taking your litter away with you or putting it in one of the bins!
(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)