Category Archives: Pix and Picks

Our first litterpick of the year – a Spring Clean!

All credit to the guys who tuned up to undertake the litterpicking task under such muddy conditions. And for the enthusiasm that was shown in getting started. There was plenty to do, and we must have been doing it well as a late arrival found where we were by following a trail where there was no litter!

Having had no organised litterpicking for a few months – but thanks to those individual guys who had been out and collected litter in the winter months – the usual hotspots were not necessarily hot, but some were pretty warm!

We visited the usual places and found the usual sexual debris. Such a shame that guys can’t be more considerate and take their rubbish away with them, or at least put it in one of the bins. Many do, of course and we are grateful. More could do.

A bit late for the pantomime, but Cinderella seemed to have left one of her slippers behind.

A stop for refreshments – always needed, always welcome, always ample – and we were off again.

Good to see that the bags we leave around the cruising areas are well used.

Wise OWLS do give a hoot and with much of the vegetation having died down we could collect litter in places we wouldn’t normally get to.

Another brilliant litterpicking session – an excellent job done by our lovely volunteers. The equivalent of 24 bags of litter collected.

 (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)

The last OWL litterpick of 2017 – our Final Festive Event of The Year!

Cold? Yes, to start with!     Dry? Yes, very.   Muddy? No!      Good litterpicking weather? Yes!

Our willing volunteers got started and were soon finding some interesting items. Whatever were two canisters of this doing at Snaresbrook?

Someone must have been hoping to find ‘chicken’!

Equipped and dressed for the Festive Season, Elf and SafeT (well it is Panto time!) were soon on the case.

Well-dressed for the part!

Maybe because there is less action in the woods, definitely because we know that more and more guys are taking their litter away with them, there was less to collect than usual. Any disappointment that Santa’s sack wouldn’t be as full as usual was compensated for by the excellent views that should have been enjoyed by the cruisers – but there were very few on this fine morning.

A view of the Fuck Tree that many won’t have seen!

Strange icicles

Someone had skillful hands!

The refreshments were especially welcome and ample as usual – including mulled wine that had a kick to it that kept out the cold – and delicious mince pies from a quality source!

Then onwards for more litterpicking. And more interesting views with the sun low in the sky and the woods looking lonely.

Moody!

Between them our volunteers managed to clean up all of the woods to the south of Snaresbrook Road, including The Mound. Good to see that the black bags we have left around are being well-used.

Elf – or was he goblin’?!

And we even ventured to pastures new to the north of the road (sorry e18prof – we hope you don’t mind us working on your patch!).

Another good day’s work. 10 sacks of litter collected.

The remainder of Santa’s sacks – appropriately decorated

Some of the rubbish had been collected and taken away part-way through the session

The OWLs take a break now until April 2018. After all, who wants to be in the woods when it’s cold, wet, muddy and dark?! (in truth, quite a few of us do, but probably not looking for litter and sexual debris!)

Check out our ‘Dates of Events’ page for litterpicks in 2018. They are the second Tuesday of each month. All are welcome and it’s not unknown for some who take part to have a Happy Ending while strolling round afterwards!

Huge thanks to all of the OWLs who have taken part in litterpicks in 2017 – you have made a big difference, reduced to zero any complaints being made about the sexual debris that some find offensive, and therefore lessened the likelihood of ‘enforcement’ by extra forest patrols.

And further thanks to the increasing number of considerate guys who are now taking their litter away or putting it in the bins or strategically-placed rubbish sacks.

Happy Christmas and Happy Cruising!

 (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)

With our crack team ready for action this was bound to be an efficient and effective litterpicking session where we would move throughout the cruising area, picking up as much litter as we could find, and in particular concentrating on the hotspots to remove the inevitable condoms, condom foils, lube sachets, wipes etc.

But early on in our travels we found an empty wallet. We couldn’t help thinking that this might have been the result of some pickpocketing. Generally cruising at Snaresbrook is a safe experience – but it’s always wise to be careful and leave valuables safely locked away in the car.

If it’s yours and you want it back let us know

It was good to see that more and more guys are taking their litter away – there was, again, much less than we would usually expect. Thanks guys! Some hotspots are obviously used by those who don’t care about litter and ‘The Gym’ (featured in several previous reports) is one. There’s a lot of activity there.

before

after

With each of our skilled volunteers taking on different areas we could make fast progress. We sometimes find some unusual objects during our litterpicking…..     

                       Just put your lips round this and blow!

The rate at which our volunteers work is always impressive and it wasn’t long before we were ready for our refreshment break. We are always happy to welcome anyone cruising in the woods, but we got no takers. Pity!

Refreshments – always welcome

In the hope that rather than chucking their sexual debris on the ground guys will put it in a rubbish sack we’ve left sacks in a few places. And we routinely empty those sacks. Some have been very well used. Others have become rubbish themselves!

The idea is to put rubbish in the sack, not make the sack the rubbish.

The litterpickers we use are ideal in most circumstances – but as we all know, having an extra long one has its benefits.

“I could do with a long one over here, guys” was possibly misinterpreted by some!

We worked on, ensuring that we collected all the rubbish we could see – whether that was sexual debris, or paper, bottles, cans, etc..

All good things must come to an end (well, for this litterpick at least) and eventually our sacks were displayed for all to see. A total of 17 sacks – an impressive load!

Well done guys!!

We’d planned that this would be our last litterpick of the year, but due to popular demand we’ve arranged an extra ‘Christmas’ litterpick for 12^th December. Christmas hats, mulled wine and mince pies – what’s not to like?!

 (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)

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)