Author Archives: Neil Frost

With two of our group members starting litterpicking early we knew this was going to be another excellent session.

Again we made good progress and again we were aware of the fact that, despite there being no reduction of activity in the woods, more and more guys are being considerate and taking their litter away with then to put in the bins.

But that wasn’t just our point of view. We were pleased to chat to one of the guys employed by the City of London Corporation to pick up litter, and who has been doing the job for years. He gave us independent confirmation that there is increasingly less sexual debris being left around. We can’t say fairer than that!

If there’s litter around we are going to find it.

During the time OWLs have been litterpicking in the woods we’ve found some strange items. We’ve been wondering if someone, maybe new to cruising for guys, got the message wrong when he was told to try Grindr!

It’s a grinding disc, not a Grindr dick!

We made even faster progress when we were joined by another of our regular litterpickers. The fact that there was less sexual debris meant that we could range further and wider than we sometimes do. Intelligence we had received led us to two ‘hotspots’ we hadn’t been to before. And significant work was done in the bushes across the main road.

With so much energy being expended the break for some refreshments is always welcome.

There’s always lots to go round

Then back to the task in hand, with further opportunities to visit places we don’t always get to.

Before

After

All good things must come to an end and we reckoned it was time to head back to base and check how much rubbish we’d collected.

Another good haul

Placed beside the road ready to be picked up, evidence of another good morning’s work. An impressive twenty six sacks! Thanks, guys.

(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)

As we met we knew we were going to be one man down (well let’s face it, when a man goes down it’s not always a bad thing!!!) but that was balanced up by someone turning up who we hadn’t expected – result!

Another group of experienced litterpickers, so we knew we were going to be a good team. With some ensuring that they cleaned up particular areas they knew of (we didn’t ask how!) it was more of a random wander than a strategic assault. That was no bad thing as we ranged wide through the woods. Yet again we observed that the amounts if sexual debris that we usually collect just wasn’t there. Thanks to those who are being considerate.

That’s not to say that everyone is being considerate, of course. We still had plenty to do. But what’s not to like?! A friendly group of guys enjoying each other’s company; fresh air and exercise; doing something useful both for the cruisers who enjoy the area and the many other legitimate users of the area. And the knowledge that the less sexual debris there is to cause offence to others the less likelihood there is that there will be complaints and therefore the less likelihood that there will be enhanced ‘enforcement’ by the use of extra patrols by Forest Rangers or even police.

Somehow, however separated we’ve become as we have pursued our various chosen routes, we manage to get back to the car park to have our refreshments together.

Always plenty of choice. Always plenty of refills!

Onwards after refreshments, and with the knowledge that as we were finishing, one of our stalwart volunteers who had another commitment while the litterpick was on would nevertheless be arriving to start doing his bit.

A very efficient litterpick where we ranged far and wide with impressive results.

With so much ‘seed’ being spread in the woods we guess it’s inevitable that some will sprout!

Ok, we know it’s fungi but use your imagination!

A lot of work was done. A lot of litter was collected. Our final huge load – an impressive 27 sacks.

We are always pleased to get a large load

(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 opportunity to clean up the cruising area and four of our stalwart volunteers were there to do it.

As usual, with experienced volunteers, we were able to make good progress. And we couldn’t help noticing that, even at this time of year when the whole area is popular for a wide range of activities by a wide range of users, there was much less litter of all kinds – and especially sexual debris – than we might have expected.

Naturally, some of the ‘hot spots’ had been host to some very hot activity.

Just one of the regular hotspots

Good to know the facility is being well-used. Just a pity that some users continue to do something as simple as dropping their used goods in a bin, or taking them away.

A good first-half and we headed back to base for well-earned refreshments. Always appreciated and always ample choice thanks to the generosity of members of the group.

The traditional spot for our refreshments!

The second half of our litterpick was just as productive – and just as much fun. We don’t take ourselves too seriously (is it possible to be very serious when picking up the intimate items – often still covered in bodily substances! – of last night’s or yesterday’s shag?!). In fact the gentle banter and genial conversations seem to make time pass very quickly.

And our final haul for this litterpick – a very respectable 19 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)