With reports of litter building up, and despite the usual hibernation of the OWLs during January, February and March, today was yet another opportunity for some of the OWLs to meet and do an extra bit of cleaning up.
Pretty good weather, though it was definitely more suited to wellies than it was to slingbacks!
It’s not that we WANT to collect litter, it’s just that we reckon the place is much better for everyone if litter – especially litter that will be offensive to some – isn’t strewn all over the place.
As well as the Epping Forest litter bin in the car park, and another bin we’ve placed in the woods, the OWLs have also put black sacks up in many of the hot spots, allowing easy and quick disposal of used condoms, condom foils, lube sachets and wipes. Many guys helpfully get rid of their litter in the sacks, others just throw it on the ground within a short distance of the rubbish sacks. We don’t understand why!
Working as a team the OWLs move through the woods collecting whatever litter they can spot. Usefully, recyclable rubbish is put in separate sacks.
There’s never a shortage of litter in the woods, but our volunteers are used to that.
It’s no problem picking up rubbish along the various trails.
Every OWL litterpick has its own unique flavour. Today’s litterpick seemed to feature Tropical Fruit condoms!
An interesting combo!
Working out in the fresh air means that, having worked for an hour or so, we are always ready to take a break for some refreshments and a bit of a laugh together.
Then it’s back to more of the same. The place looks so much better when it’s litter-free (well, we think so!)
Eventually time to return to base, staple the sacks up to prevent their contents being strewn across the road, and leave them ready for collection.
Another good day’s work. Thirteen sacks of mixed rubbish and nine of miscellaneous recyclables. RESULT!
Our 2020 series of litterpicks kicks off officially in April. If you’ve had some fun in the woods, or even if you haven’t (yet!) why not put something back by joining in a litterpick? Check the 2020 dates on our Dates of Picks page.
(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)