Category Archives: Pix and Picks

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)

Concern that the absence of some of our regulars might curtail the amount of litter-picking that could be done was misplaced. We welcomed two new members to our friendly group, and were particularly impressed that one had come along to deputise for another member of our group who was ill! And an added bonus, Free Passes to the friendly sauna, The Locker Room, were on offer! The only downside was that the car park was full of the cars of walkers, dog walkers and cruisers (some very hot cruisers left while we were waiting to start!), but car parking was available nearby.

We’d run out of rubbish sacks at our previous litter-pick, but a friendly Forest Keeper helpfully delivered more to us.

With three regular litter-pickers and two newbies, plus another regular who turned up at the end to ‘do his own thing’ in the woods (ahem!), we had the capacity to cover a lot of ground.

A super team, working well, we made good progress. It was the usual routine of following the route we are used to, picking up litter and sexual debris along the paths, and paying particular attention to the various hot spots. As usual, this was a revelation to some who vowed to return to enjoy a closer look and join in with the activity that so obviously, judging from the amount of condoms, condom sachets, lube sachets tissues and wipes scattered around, takes place in these locations.

Our team enjoyed chatting as they moved through the woods, exchanging cruising tips as they went. The weather wasn’t bad, helping the good mood even further. And fast progress was made, impeded only by the need to stop to take pictures (which, incidentally, are only of those who expressly agree to be in them).

It is fair to say that at each of OWL’s litter-picking sessions we are finding less sexual debris, but probably the same amount of cans, bottles and general rubbish. Thanks go to the increasing number of cruisers who are being considerate of all who enjoy the area and disposing of their own rubbish thoughtfully. Having trawled through a considerable area of the woods it was time to collect the full sacks that we had placed strategically along our route, return to the car park, and enjoy our well-earned mid-session refreshments.

So enthusiastic were some that we had to wait a while for them to come out of the woods! And despite the looks on our faces, the comments really were about how good it was to be out there doing something worthwhile and useful.

We set off in search of more litter after our break, but it was fair to say that we couldn’t find much, and fairly soon returned to base to seal the bags (to stop animals emptying them) and place them ready for collection.
Another impressive amount of litter-picking. At the end of the session we lined up 26 sacks of rubbish – nearly as many as our last litter-pick.

Thanks, guys – a brilliant piece of work!
Although we hadn’t planned any further litter-picks this year it’s been suggested that we do one more before Christmas. Look out on here and on Squirt for the date. Festive refreshments will be provided!

Please be wise like OWL – dispose of your litter where it won’t offend other users of the woods!
(please note, we respect everyone’s right to anonymity and only show pics of those willing to have them posted)

Good weather and a good group of friendly guys swelling our numbers! What’s not to like?! Some had come along because they just happened to have the time available today, some had come because they felt that they wanted to be able to contribute to the initiative, and on the basis that no news is bad news, it was possible that our numbers were increased in response to some silly negative comments about OWL on Squirt.

A short safety briefing – we want our participants to work safely and happily – and we were off in two groups, one group of four heading east from the car park and one group of four going west.

Everyone found plenty to do, although again, many of the usually-heavily-littered areas were much cleaner than we expect.

We pick up all litter that we can find – cans, bottles, food wrappings, crisp packets –  but our main purpose is to rid the area of the sexual debris that can be offensive and embarrassing to some users of this area of ancient woodland – used condoms, condom foils, lube sachets, wipes and tissues, poppers bottles, Viagra and Kamagra packets, vinyl gloves, etc.

As usual, there was a high degree of cooperation and a very friendly atmosphere. Some of our new litter-picking members commented on how enjoyable and even therapeutic litter-picking is. And by visiting the various ‘hot spots’ of sexual activity it is always good to introduce people to new ‘facilities’ that they previously didn’t know about and might subsequently make use of! ‘The Gym’ was new to some, ‘Honeysuckle Corner’ new to others, and some didn’t know about the nude sunbathing area!

An hour and a half of concentrated litter-picking brings on a thirst, and it was time to carry our full sacks back to the car park and get some well-earned refreshments.

Then back for another session of litter-picking; again with two groups heading in the two opposite directions, and going further and deeper.

And eventually back to the car park with the sum total of our spoils – 28 sacks – a record for all of our litter-picking sessions. But not because there was more litter! Because we had more people able to go further and collect from areas we might otherwise not be able to cover.

There was so much litter that even sealing the bags took some while. Eventually the sacks were stacked beside the road, ready for collection.

Many thanks to the guys who participated today – we hope to see you at Snaresbrook again (including at future litter-picking sessions!)

OWL – we really do give a hoot!

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

Such a shame that we possibly appeared to be so unwelcome to any drivers who might have been coming to our litter-picking session – because the gate was locked. It wasn’t our fault that their passage was blocked!

We’ve had a word with the Forest Rangers and since then, up to the date of posting this on our website, the gate has remained open. While we were there some cars had driven the wrong way across the dragon’s teeth (damage to their tyres to be paid for by the Corporation of London as there was no indication that the other entry to the car park was ‘no entry’?) And there were a few near-misses when cars expecting to drive straight into the car park suddenly changed their minds.

We were light on volunteer litter-pickers today, but the fact that there was much less litter than usual made it easier and mean that we could move round faster. Guys really are taking more care with their litter, taking it away with them or putting it in the bins or bags we’ve provided.

We made our regular visit to ‘The Gymn’ (well, it seems there are quite a few work-outs there!) and it was, as usual, showing signs of heavy usage. But again, not as littered as it often is.

Even ‘Honeysuckle Corner’ needed less attention.

Most of the signs we had put up some months ago were still in place, and it seemed that someone had taken ‘health in the work place’ one stage further

It reminded us of that old joke:

Question:  “Tell me, do you smoke after sex?”     

Answer: “To tell you the truth I don’t know, I’ve never looked!”

Naturally we took a well-earned break for our refreshments. And today in the sweltering heat we needed the ice-cold drinks of water as well as the tea, coffee, buns, pies and biscuits!

There were lots of cruisers around, and it was good to get some friendly smiles and some ‘thank you’s’. And of course, seeing who was around meant that some of us took the opportunity to think about where we would return to at the end of the litter-picking!

We don’t show any prejudice on our litter-picking work parties – this haul had probably not been left by cruisers, but nevertheless we took it away,

(Please note – we only show pictures of litter-pickers if they are happy that we do so; some, understandably want to remain anonymous, and that’s fine by us.)

It was another successful litter-picking session and our final haul of 14 sacks was impressive and demonstrates how much territory we had been able to cover.

We have two more litter-picking sessions planned for this year (check the dates here). Please consider joining our friendly litter-picking group, aiming to make the area better for everyone.

Another very successful litterpicking session at which we welcomed a new participant who made a significant contribution and who we hope to see again. The weather was warm and the mozzies weren’t too hungry – and even if they had been the excellent anti-mozzie spray that gets shared round is an excellent deterrent.

As usual, our friendly team set off with enthusiasm and did an incredibly impressive task, visiting all the usual areas and picking up the usual sexual debris – used condoms (and some unused!), condom foils and lube sachets, wipes and tissues. And one of the effects of the recent warm weather was a plethora of cans and bottles that were also collected.

It was good to speak with a few cruisers, and a dog-walker, who commented on how much better the place was looking. That will potentially reduce the likelihood of complaints (and the need the authorities then feel to have to be seen to take action, whether they want to or not).

A cruising spot we call The Gym (well it seems to be designed for exercise!) was in its usual state:

Before

After

The mid-morning break, always an opportunity for a further chat and some well-earned refreshments, was as usual appreciated. Free buttered hot crossed buns, Wagon Wheels and Mars Bars were on the menu, as was coke (hmmmm!).

With the amount of time, and the number of people involved, it was possible to not only deal with the usual ‘hot spots’ but also to reach the parts our litterpicking sessions haven’t already reached. So the path round The Mound has now been cleared of litter that has been there for many years. It is good to see that the rubbish sack we have placed in the middle of The Mound is being well used.

Another record-breaking session! 21 bags collected by our brilliant team of volunteers, 3 more collected by one of our group who, not wanting to leave just yet, stayed on to get some more, and yet 1 more sack collected by another supporter who had come along during the day and cleaned up the area across the road in the area in front of the school.

THAT’S A TOTAL OF 25 SACKS TODAY!

Huge thanks, on behalf of everyone who wants cruising to continue at Snaresbrook uninterrupted, to all those who pick up the litter others leave, and to those who are considerate enough to take their litter away with them or make sure it goes in a bin before they leave.

OWL really is having an impact!

We have three more litterpicking sessions planned for this year (check the dates here). Please consider joining our friendly litterpicking group, aiming to make the area better for everyone.

Despite being ‘two men down’ our volunteers weren’t to be daunted and, after a pleasant chat with two friendly forest rangers (who had to speed off to another park to deal with a ‘flasher’), set out with their usual enthusiasm and commitment. Some might ask if it is possible to be enthusiastic about picking up other people’s sexual debris! Fair point!

We continue to be really pleased that the amount of sexual debris in the usual ‘hot spots’ is much less, and from what we’ve seen in the bins it does seem to be because it is being appropriately disposed of rather than there being less sex taking place, or worse still, less condoms being used. And our signs, encouraging users of the area to take their litter away, are still in place – maybe they are having an effect.

There were a few early cruisers around. Funny how the sight of we guys with litterpickers and bin bags changes people from being in ‘sleazy, head down, furtive look’ mode to ‘just having a brisk walk in the woods, head high, oh and just checking my change in my pockets’ mode!! And some who dived enthusiastically into some of the nooks and crannies hoping to find an orgy going on were disappointed that the only flexible friends sticking out were the litterpicking devices!

Some of the ‘hot spots’, even if less littered than usual, needed our attention.

Honeysuckle corner (if you are a daytime cruiser you will probably be able to identify this location at this time of year) smelled sweet, but contained its usual selection of litter – used condoms, tissues, condom foils, tissues, lube sachets, tissues, poppers bottles, tissues – and tissues too. How much cleaning up do some guys need to do (well, to be fair, lots judging by the colour of some of the tissues! Yuch!)?

Our tally of bags gradually increased as we moved through each of the areas.

(please note – we respect everyone’s right to remain anonymous if they wish, so we only include pics with express permission – just saying)

The rain came, as it so often does, just as we were enjoying our refreshments so the shelter of the cars meant that it had little impact.

Onwards after our refreshments to more of the same – this time to the left of the car park. We must have done a good job in the past because today’s edition of Time Out carries a two-page pic of one of the cruising paths – the area was so clean that we’ve made the news, and for a positive reason!

The only downside to today’s litterpick was that we like to get a pic, at the end, of the full tally – 14 sacks in this case (incredible!). But the rubbish lorry came and took most of the sacks away before we could take the pic. But there again, to be fair, most of us do like to have our sacks dealt with frequently!!

Please consider joining us at one of our litterpicking sessions – we are a friendly group and we believe we are having a real impact; making the area able to be enjoyed by all.

Back to the task in hand for the second month in a row, and although we had some tidying up of where we cleared last month, we were able to move on to ‘pastures’ new (‘pastures’ is probably the least accurate description of the places we cleaned up!). Overall it was an amazingly good litterpicking session with a staggering 19 bags of litter collected overall. We haven’t got a pic of the complete collection of bags as the collection lorry arrived part way through.

As usual our volunteers ensured that as many of the ‘facilities’ as possible were visited in an attempt to get rid of both the sexual debris – which we are especially looking for – as well as the general litter left by a range of users of the area.

The majority of our signs, asking cruisers to take their litter away with them, were in place and are having the desired effect. Many thanks to those guys who, rather than throwing stuff on the ground or in the bushes, take it away with them. After all, there are bins around for stuff that you don’t want to take with you. An OWL volunteer has placed a dustbin along the track and it is well-used; but it is not approved of by the City of London Corporation who manage the Forest, although they tolerate it. OWL believes that there should be more bins, better-placed, like there are at Hampstead Heath.

A welcome refreshment break, then back to work with plenty of litter still to be collected.

Another enjoyable morning together with an excellent amount of litter collected and an appropriate camaraderie between participants.

The first of this year’s sessions, we knew we had lots to do to get back to the eventual cleanliness we achieved last year. So, despite the rain we headed off into the woods, our plan being to try to make an impact on those areas which would be most likely to be seen by other users of the area. These are the areas most likely to generate complaints.

With a few guys working at each of the ‘hotspots’ we can quickly turn what many will feel is offensive sexual debris into a much more pleasant-looking area. At the ‘hotspots’ we routinely pick up: used condoms, condom sachets, lube sachets, wipes and tissues, old poppers bottles, kamagra packets, vinyl gloves as well as empty bottles and cans.

We aren’t ‘do-gooders’ or anything like that! We want cruising to continue and feel that that will be helped by lessening the number of complaints about the litter which many, possibly understandably, find offensive.

We weren’t sorry to take a break for refreshments, when we could also catch up with a friendly Forest Ranger whose approach and attitude to the activities in the area are refreshingly supportive – unlike so many of his colleagues!

Our final haul for the day – 9 sacks, mainly of sexual debris, to add to the two sacks collected yesterday.

We had one further task to complete – replacing last year’s signs with some fresh ones. Some are high up and subtle; some are a lot more obvious. We wonder how long they will remain in place for?

(Incidentally, pictures of those involved in our litterpicking sessions are only taken, and displayed here, with their express consent – the right of anyone not to have their picture taken, and to remain anonymous, is one we take seriously.)