Not the best of days to be out in the woods at Snaresbrook – but, as one of our volunteers commented, it could have been a lot worse.
Skilled litterpickers who know the intricacies of the paths through the woods very well, our group of five volunteers were soon ready for action.
We know of plenty of cock-worshipping that goes on at Snaresbrook – here’s an opportunity for worship of a different kind.
Most of the time, at an OWL litterpick, we pick litter. Today we had an additional task – to clear a fallen branch away from a path. Volunteers always at the ready.
Cruisers, especially those of us who cruise at night, could easily find our entrance blocked and stumble into this hazard.
So, armed with the necessary equipment the branch was quickly cut away, leaving easy access for those who choose to use it.
As usual, there was no shortage of rubbish, and the wet weather made many items even heavier than usual. But in true OWL fashion we just got on with it, lugging our heavy sacks around and eventually feeling we’d done enough that it was time for the well-deserved break.
Then back for more of the same in different areas of the woods.
Often an interesting find or two on an OWL litterpick, occasionally with a theme of the day. Today’s was mobile phones. One leather mobile phone case with no phone inside, and one leather case complete with phone.
We are drying it out in the hope that it might be brought back to life. If you recognise it get in touch (owlsnaresbrook@gmail.com) and as long as you can prove it’s yours we’ll arrange to get it back to you.
On a more positive note, it was a special day for one of our volunteers – and there were daffodils to help celebrate St David’s Day.
Not a bad haul – 20 sacks collected today, plus another five collected by another of our amazing volunteers – so a total of 25 sacks this month.
The next OWL litterpick is on Tuesday, 5th April. We are a friendly, informal, group of guys who think that the woods are better for everyone if they are not strewn with litter which some find offensive. Everyone is welcome to join us. Just look out for details of our OWL litterpicks on Squirt or pitch up at the Snaresbrook Road car park for a 10.30 am start on any of the dates listed here. We provide litterpickers, rubbish sacks and gloves – and free refreshments!
(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)