Category Archives: Pix and Picks

A change of day this month (we usually litterpick on the second Tuesday of the month), but it suited our lovely band of volunteers, all of whom were there at the start, or soon after as a result of heavy traffic, to get stuck in to some serious work.

Safety briefing over, we seemed to go our separate ways rather more than usual. This was potentially going to be a ‘lone working’ litterpick. During the morning we came across a number of items possibly more diverse than we’ve seen lately. More of that later.

It wasn’t long before our OWLs were filling their sacks with litter ranging from litter that anyone might have thrown away to items that it seemed obvious would only have been discarded by guys cruising in the woods.

lovingly handmade – but not so lovingly discarded

Lost a phone? The case is still there – ironically near the fuck tree where many must stop dreaming and experience reality.

Sadly there was no phone inside.

Good progress was made with a few of our group eventually joining up and working together.

Good to see that ‘a packet of three’ is still in use!

Then, with time the enemy marching on, we were ready for a break from litterpicking and time for the traditional refreshments.

After our break – during which there are always interesting and humorous tales recounted – it was off for more, with our excellent volunteers ensuring that they covered as much of the area, including as many of the ‘hotspots’, as possible.

Rubbish sacks we’ve left in some of the hotspots are being well-used and needing occasional replacement.

We are used to finding unusual items – though in this case it begs the question – Is this unusual for this location?

sadly the batteries were flat!

Lost some car keys? Might these be yours? They are (were) on the top of the litter bin in the car park.

All good things must come to an end – although so keen was one of our volunteers that we had to go searching for him. (And he’s taken some litter sacks and a litter picker so that he can do some more work before our next ‘official’ OWL litterpick).

What a fantastic total – a record-breaker – the equivalent of 52 of our usual-size rubbish sacks, including 21 bags of recycling.

 (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)

We were missing some of our ‘regulars’, but we made up for it with some ‘extras’. And we were joined briefly at the start by one of our founders who helpfully stocked us up with some extra supplies.

Huge thanks to everyone who took part in the event today, our regular August litterpick.

It was more of what we usually do, really. We progressed round and through the usual ‘hotspots’, picking up the usual range of litter and debris: cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles which went in the recycling bags, and condoms, condom foils, lube sachets, tissues and wet wipes in the ‘general rubbish’ bags.

With tenacious volunteers we know that we can be sure of the cleanest of litter picks. We want the woods to be good for everyone who uses them for whatever reason. Many, especially those with children, will view used condoms and the other sexual debris as offensive and that can lead to complaints. We want to avoid that so that horny cruising can go on uninterrupted.

Some of us know most of the ‘hotspots’ and it’s good to introduce others to them (strictly in the process of litterpicking, of course!). Soon we were amassing our loads.

There comes a point in our litterpicking sessions when we’ve collected so much litter that unless we return to the car park we’ll have to leave some of the sacks behind. So we do, and of course that’s a good opportunity to have a break for tea and coffee.

Always a good time to continue the banter. And to welcome another occasional litter-picker, and say farewell to one of our number who had to leave.

Then onward, with two groups heading off in different directions, aiming to get to the parts previous litterpickers hadn’t reached. We ranged far and wide. Again it was good to see that many of the bags we’ve left hanging on trees were being well-used. It still beats us why guys prefer to chuck their rubbish further away in the bushes than close-by in a rubbish sack.

And finally, having covered a very large area of the cruising ground, it was time to get all the sacks together, staple or tie them up, and place them for public display (and collection of course) beside the road. Another impressive load – the equivalent of 28 of our usual-sized rubbish sacks.

Was it something in the air, or was it just coincidence, that a number of positive comments were made about the OWL litterpicks today?!

Both as we were starting, and as we were finishing, passers-by specifically came over to thank us for our efforts. And two comments on Squirt, made by OWLs who couldn’t be with us today, also captured the moment:

“I’d recommend it to anyone who has a few hours to spare this morning. It’s not as nasty as it sounds, and actually we have quite a laugh at the madness of it all.”

“They do a fantastic job in keeping the forest areas as clear as possible from litter.”

We couldn’t agree more!

 (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 next scheduled Litterpick not taking place for another two weeks a message had come through to the OWL Hub, from one of our men on the ground, that several of the rubbish sacks were full to overflowing.

OWL Rapid Response (ORR) kicked in and in less than 24 hours one of our senior OWLs had dropped in, completed a round of the entire area, and dealt with the various full sacks. This was certainly a Code Flashing Blue response. We’re not complaining about full sacks! We like them! And it’s good that litter is being disposed of considerately.

Never one to forego an opportunity to maximise on his time in the woods our excellent volunteer reverted to Code Green and in addition to emptying and replacing full and overflowing sacks, he went in deeper and dealt with litter in some of the hot spots. Incidentally, while there he found a ticket wallet, presumably having fallen out of someone’s pocket while their attention was on other things. Email OWL (owlsnaresbrook@gmail.com) if you know who it might belong to.

Here’s the impressive haul that our hard working OWL volunteer collected. Six sacks of recyclable rubbish and three to go to landfill.

Thank you to all who dispose of their sexual debris and other rubbish considerately.

Our last litterpick finished a bit early due to the RAF 100 Flypast, and our next litterpick isn’t for nearly a month so three of the ‘original’ OWLs decided they’d do an extra session. (We are wondering, as the correct word for a group of OWLs is a ‘Parliament’, if this group of guys would be a ‘Cabinet’ of OWLs?!).

Because some of us like to use the area at times other than litterpicks we knew that there were some places that needed a special visit. Despite increasing numbers of guys using the bins and bags, some are being so well-used that they are overflowing.

We were strictly on Code Red. Go to a particular place and collect litter there; no distractions taking us to other places; no taking a quick grab at some litter on the way.

With three skilled volunteers on the case it wasn’t long before several areas were cleared and a number of strategically-placed rubbish sacks had been emptied. So naturally it was back to base for some well-earned refreshments.

Then, with the ‘Collection Responsibility Advisory Protocol’, reduced to Code Amber (work together as a group, but less formally) it was out for more, with visits including: The Gymn (litter level not bad; rubbish sack being used); The Late Dirty Den’s (similar, but a shame more guys don’t find it easier to use the rubbish sack rather than throw their used condoms and foils in the bushes); and other places we know are hotspots of activity. In fact we found one new hotspot. Useful to know its location should the need arise!

Given the tinder-dry (rather than Grindr-dry) state of much of the vegetation we were surprised to see a number of previously discarded-while-still-alight cigarettes, some of which could easily have caught surrounding vegetation alight. That could have led to the loss of the cruising ground!

Eventually we reckoned we’d done our thing, the C.R.A.P. level was reduced to Code Green (do your own thing, end up at the car park at some point today), and by various routes we made our way back to the car park to staple and stack the rubbish sacks.

Not a bad haul again today – the equivalent of 20 of our standard-sized rubbish sacks.

Thank you to all who dispose of their sexual debris and other rubbish considerately.

(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 so much going on we weren’t sure how many of our lovely volunteers would turn up. And one of our most regular volunteers was going to be away having the pleasure of dealing with two huge organs (well, who wouldn’t turn down such an opportunity?!). Nevertheless we were pleased to welcome an enthusiastic group of willing volunteers. Our deadline was 12.57 pm when we reckoned the RAF 100-plane flypast would pass overhead; and we reckoned we would be in a good place to watch it.

So, as usual, we set off,  heading for each of the ‘hotspots’ which we treat as our priorities. Many users of the woods would find the amount of sexual debris there offensive. And we’d prefer that not to happen. It could lead to complaints and complaints could lead to ‘enforcement’. (Meaning regular patrols by Epping Forest Rangers – technically ‘constables’ – through the cruising areas.).

Lots to do, especially as we aimed to empty the rubbish sacks that we presume some well-meaning soul has left there, although they don’t seem to have considered that they need to be emptied.

Unsurprisingly there were plenty of drinks bottles and cans around. Lots of tissues and wetwipes. Quite a few condom foils and lube sachets. And used condoms. It’s our stock in trade. We’re used to it. And, given the amount of ‘action’ that the good weather, and reports on ‘Squirt’ seemed to have encouraged, there was a pleasing amount of litter in the various rubbish sacks, and relatively little in each of the hot spots. We’d dealt with ‘The Gymn’ and ‘Honeysuckle Corner’ (much less fragrant in this dry weather) before it was time to head back for our refreshments.

There’s always interesting conversation and friendly banter while we have our refreshments. And with men in uniform arriving to deal with a minor fire there were certain distractions.

But there was no slacking as we had a deadline to meet. So while one group headed off to deal with the area to the left of the car park, another headed to ‘(the late) Dirty Den’s’ and the nude sunbathing area. There was plenty to do.

With impeccable timing we made it back to base in time, with an impressive number of rubbish sacks filled with a wide range of litter.

Then out of the woods and off to the open areas of grass to watch the fly-past. We reckoned we got a good view.

The fly-past over it was time to head back to deal with the litter tally. But that didn’t stop our volunteers picking up rubbish on the way.

It took a while to seal the bags and arrange them carefully. The final tally of bags ready for collection at the side of the road – the equivalent of 45 sbe (small bags equivalents), plus a few bags left for collection elsewhere.

An excellent morning’s work. Well done to our brilliant volunteers.

 (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 of our regular ‘second Tuesday of the month’ OWL litterpicks at which we were pleased to be joined by three new guys who had heard what we do and were willing to join in – thanks, guys.

With the Safety Briefing over we took our usual route along the paths and into the various Hot Spots (some might say ‘orgy areas’) that are a feature of cruising at Snaresbrook. We like to consider the needs of cruisers and one of our party was ready with his secateurs to trim back vegetation which might otherwise scratch legs, or worse still, nether regions. Many of the paths are now much easier to access.

Wow! The idea that the place is much better without loads of rubbish and sexual debris seems to be finding favour with a lot of guys. There was very much less litter in practically every Hot Spot we visited. Possibly helped by us leaving black rubbish sacks which were being very well used. Here’s one Hot Spot BEFORE we started litterpicking. The rubbish sack was half full and there had been practically nothing thrown onto the ground.

 It was clear that our new volunteers soon picked up the hang of using litterpickers and were soon experts at the task.

 Whoever left clear rubbish sacks along a number of routes through the woods had maybe done a good job of distributing them, but didn’t seem to have considered that they also needed to be emptied. Nevertheless it was good to see them being used – practically no litter surrounding them – and it seemed only fair that we empty them. Well, at least those which were still in a state where they could be re-used.

Lots of litter picked in an hour or so then back to base for some welcome refreshments and the opportunity to offer drinks to guys showing an interest in what we were doing – and planning to come and help at the next litterpick. Our friendly ‘core team’ always enjoy the banter during our break.

Then onwards again, our aim being to visit more of the Hot Spots where we have left rubbish sacks. And joy of joys (some of us are easily pleased!) THE SACKS ARE BEING USED, leading to much less litter on the ground.

OWL is in its fourth year of litterpicking and we are seeing an ongoing reduction in the amount of sexual debris around the place. More guys are taking their litter away and more guys are using the rubbish sacks.

Having finally brought all of the sacks back to base and prepared them for collection we were justly proud of today’s haul.

 The final count? An impressive 21 sacks of rubbish – much of it ready for recycling (don’t worry – the used condoms weren’t put in the recycling 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)

Each year we like to ‘refresh’ the various signs that are displayed around the cruising area.

Some guys don’t care how many condom foils, condoms and lube sachets they could be standing on while having their fun. On the other hand others tell us that they are dismayed that so much offensive sexual debris is left around. The area is used by very many people with a variety of reasons for being there. Some like to enjoy the fresh air, some are there spotting the rich diversity of the wildlife in this ancient woodland, there are walkers, cyclists and runners, picnic-ers, kite-flyers, etc. And there guys cruising for sex. All have a legitimate right to be there. The litterpickers that form the OWL (OUT With Litter) group have a simple aim – to clear up the sexual debris that starts to build up unless dealt with, in order to make the area a nicer place to be and to reduce complaints about the rubbish that many regard as offensive.

Part of what OWL does is to display notices around the cruising area encouraging guys to take their litter away with them or to use the bins, or rubbish sacks, provided. More and more guys are being considerate to others and ensuring that they put their rubbish in a bin or bag

For this session a trio of the longest-serving OWLs (A Parliament of them, in fact!) aimed to clear up a number of the ‘hotspots’ and put up new flyers and posters.

Over the time the OWLs have been clearing up the litter the various ‘hotspots’ have taken on appropriate names: Honeysuckle Corner, Dirty Den, That Place Below the Mound That We Only Discovered Recently, The Gymn, The Orgy Area, That Place Where XXXX Likes to Take His Shags, and so on.

It must surely be a measure of the horniness and enthusiasm of many many guys that so much sexual debris builds up in some of the ‘hotspots’.

Please don’t get us wrong. OWLs are not the litter police and nor are they spoilsports. OWL wants cruising to continue at Snaresbrook. The less litter, and especially sexual debris, there is, the fewer complaints will be received. In fact, when we were last advised, since OWL started running litterpicks there have been no complaints. Result!

So thanks, not just to the OWLs, but to the many guys who dispose of their sexual debris considerately. And to those guys who don’t – please think again.

In several places the OWLs have put up signs requesting that guys take their litter away, and to make it even easier to be considerate, rubbish sacks have been left. Our OWLs collect these regularly, hopefully before they overflow.

Someone has left some almost-clear rubbish sacks around the woods. In OWL’s view not at all discrete, far too many, and not respecting the nature of the environment. Nevertheless, some are being used, and as long as they are emptied or collected regularly then they are potentially helpful.

We’d enjoyed our refreshments during the morning session; we’d covered plenty of territory; we’d achieved our aim of putting flyers in and cleaning up the ‘hotspots’; and we’d put up some general posters as gentle reminders of how good it is to be considerate of others. What’s not to like? Our final tally of rubbish sacks: seven ‘sexual debris’ bags and three bags of recycling.

Our next OWL litterpick is on Tuesday, 12^th June, starting off from the Snaresbrook Road car park (whether it’s open or not) at 10.30 am. All are welcome. We are an informal group of volunteers who don’t take ourselves too seriously and are simply there to get on with the task of clearing up the litter. No formality, no ‘membership’, nothing to pay. Why not consider taking part?

 (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 fact that the car park barrier was locked shut didn’t put off our intrepid OWLs from turning up for our second litterpick of the year (nor did the advertising of the wrong date in one Squirt post).

Although unpopular in many ways, we suppose the upside of the car park being locked shut is that there was very much less litter to collect from that area (nevertheless we’d prefer the car park to be open and available to all!!).

We warmly embraced a new system whereby we bag recyclables like glass and plastic bottles and cans into a separate recycling bag. By the end of the session our recycling results were impressive.

Taking the usual route through the various nooks and crannies which see the most action our volunteers made quick progress, picking up the familiar range of pieces of rubbish. Anything from discarded clothing (including a very large bra) and shoes (often only one), to cans and bottles, carrier bags, food containers and the inevitable sexual debris – condoms (mainly, but not exclusively used ones), condom foils, lube sachets, tissues, wipes, the odd empty bottle of poppers, the occasional Viagra packet or a Kamagra gel sachet.

We worked well, both together and separately, each tenacious in his task to get rid of the rubbish and create an environment that is better for everybody – cruisers, dog walkers, dog walkers pretending to be dog walking but actually covertly cruising, families, cyclists, cyclists pretending to be cycling but covertly cruising, nature lovers, naturists, naturists pretending to be ‘enjoying being naked’ but actually enjoying exhibiting, and so on. And nothing wrong with being any of them.

With our sacks full it was a good excuse to return to the car park and have some refreshments. We welcome others to join us for refreshments but didn’t have any visitors today. Some didn’t mind being in a pic; some did. Either is fine. There were more than adequate supplies of Coke Zero. Strangely everyone preferred tea of coffee.

Having been joined by another welcome member of the group we headed off again, this time with one group heading east and one heading west. Again, there was no shortage of rubbish to be found and again our volunteers made a difference. For the second litterpick in a row it was good to see that in most places where we had left empty sacks, hung up for people to use, they were being well-used.

Finally, back to base, staple the bags closed and put them on the pavement ready for collection.

Another good haul. 9 sacks of recyclable and 15 sacks of general debris, much of it sexual. 24 sacks in all. A good result.

 (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)

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)