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)