Category Archives: Pix and Picks

What’s not to like when we have a team of five experienced OWLs willing to take part in a litterpicking session? That was the situation today.

Several of our Solo Owls had done some excellent work keeping the levels of litter down, making today’s task do-able.

Two teams set off to clear the area to the right of the car park, as far as Woodford New Road.

Nice to see the grass growing in the Nude Sunbathing Area. And good to see the permanent rubbish sacks being appropriately-used too.

We know that cows used to graze in the area, but sheep?!

Plenty of excellent work done, so back to base for some welcome refreshments.

Then off to do more of the same, dealing with the areas not yet visited. Then back to base one last time.

And finally the placing of today’s rubbish sacks at the roadside ready for collection.

Another good haul. The equivalent of seventeen sacks of rubbish today, plus another thirty collected by our Solo Litterpickers giving a total for the last month of FORTY SEVEN sacks of rubbish.

We don’t think the woods have ever been as litter free as they were when we left them today. But how long will that last for….?

Nice to be thanked by dog walkers and passers by for the litterpicking we do.

(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 only had two OWLs available to undertake today’s litterpick – several had other commitments. So it was lucky that another OWL colleague had spent a few hours cleaning up the area last Saturday.

We’ve had so much experience that we reckon we could probably do much of our litterpicking blindfolded! (several OWLs are pretty good at finding what they are looking for at Snaresbrook when it’s dark!). However recently any of us has done a litterpick there’s always more to do.

Obviously popular facilities here. Jut a shame that the facility of the rubbish sack isn’t obvious to some. 

Working hard deserves a break to refuel and reload!

Next, off for more. Then a return to base, the tying of the bags and delivery to the road for collection by our friendly Forest Wardens.

The equivalent of 7 regular-size sacks collected today. Our ‘solo pickers’ have worked exceptionally hard since the last group litterpick, collecting a total of the equivalent of 42 of our regular-sized sacks between them. So in total FORTY SEVEN sacks in the last month. Brilliant! (but at the same time disappointing as so much of the rubbish could have been put into one of our resident sacks in hotspots, or into one of the bins)

(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)

It was good to be able to welcome two new OWLs to today’s OWL litterpick. They soon adopted the essential skills of litterpicking, showing impressive understanding and a determination to do the job well.

Safety briefing first, then off to work we go. Two teams heading off to deal with different areas of the cruising ground.

Someone had removed our black sacks from the Nude Sunbathing Area and rodents had been chewing at another of our black sacks. Replacements were needed.

There’s always plenty of litter to collect – although thankfully much of it was in our black sacks. Not in this area, though, which has clearly seen plenty of action. Much better once cleaned up.

With so much hard work being done it was only fair to take a break for refreshments. Which, like today, generally involve a friendly chat and some interesting information being shared.

Then off to do more of the same but in different places. Some were interested to discover how much territory this cruising ground covers. It’s extensive.

With several hours of hard work being put in, and with the majority of the area having been covered, time to return to base and place our haul ready for collection. The equivalent of 20 of our regular-size sacks of rubbish today.

And our solo litterpickers have been busy in the last month, out on their own, collecting litter and emptying sacks and bins so that they didn’t overflow. Huge thanks to them for the valuable work they have done. Between them they’ve collected about 48 sacks of litter.

Giving a grand total for this month of 68 sacks of litter. Not surprising for the month of August – but so much could so easily have been taken away rather then relying on the OWLs to remove it.

A note for regular OWL Litterpick attendees. Our October litterpick is, as usual, on the first Tuesday of the month – 4^th October. The November Litterpick will be on 8^th November (NOT the first Tuesday) with our Christmas Special Litterpick on 6^th December.

(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)

Just four OWLs at today’s litterpick but this was a Parliament (parliament = the collective name for a group of owls) that did far more work than other parliaments we know of!

All experienced OWL litterpickers. All knowing what to do and where to go. So we just got on with it.

These sacks are emptied several times per week. We SO wish someone wouldn’t shit in one of them! (how do they do it?!)

The Explosion in a Kleenex Factory has moved!

Careful scanning to find every last piece of litter

Of course, time for  break and some well-earned refreshments.

Then back to more work. Funny the things we find!

Another good haul.

The equivalent of 27 of our regular sacks. Plus a stunning 49 by three solo litterpickers who visit at other times. That’s a total of 76 sacks of litter this month!

(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)

Covid has got to three of the OWLs! They all seem to be recovering but our July litterpick was cancelled – we think that is the first time that we’ve ever cancelled a monthly litterpick! Damn!

But that hasn’t stopped individual OWLs getting out there and doing their solo things.

This is the sort of thing we find

No excuse really when there’s a rubbish sack so close, like here

But we cheerfully clear up the area, empty the sack, and move on.

Eventually getting our individual hauls to the road where our friends the Forest Keepers will come along and collect the rubbish and take it off to the recycling centre.

We reckon that between us in this last month our individual OWLs have collected, in total, the equivalent of 46 sacks of litter.

And what a difference that makes.

Four loyal OWLs pitched up for the monthly OWL litterpick, ready and willing to clean up the mess that some of our fellow cruisers would rather chuck away than put in one of the many rubbish sacks we’ve provided or take it away with them.

We wanted to cover as much of the area as possible so we were soon down to work.

Is there really an excuse for chucking stuff like this on the ground when there’s a rubbish sack right there?

It’s not only nasty stuff we find. We’ve found mobile phones, wallets, money and today – a front door key. Let us know if it is yours (OWLsnaresbrook@gmail.com).

Meanwhile rubbish was being collected from the various hotspots, both from the ground and from the rubbish sacks

And coming in from all directions

Then time for a chat and well-earned refreshments.

Back to litter-picking for some of us while one of our OWLs got out his big tool and started trimming the vegetation. After all, no one wants nettles or brambles blocking their passage!

Then the final bag count. 16 sacks today, plus another 21 collected by OWLs working solo on other days, making a total of 37 sacks of rubbish this month.

Some might notice that the rubbish is now mainly in one colour of bag. We no longer separate recycling from non-recycling. It’s all done automatically by the solar-powered recycling plant nearby! Eco-OWLs!!

The next OWL litterpick is on Tuesday, 5^th July. If you or someone you know think that it’s worth keeping the woods clear of litter so that everyone can enjoy this unique environment please consider joining us. Everyone is welcome. We are a welcoming, friendly, group who don’t take ourselves too seriously. Just look out for details on Squirt or pitch up at the Snaresbrook Road car park for a 10.30 am start on any of the dates listed here.

(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 OWLs were out in the woods again – giving a hoot about the unnecessary litter that degrades the natural environment and is offensive to others. OWLs feel that it is unnecessary rather than offensive. We have placed rubbish sacks in most of the Hot Spots where guys go to have sex, and it is dead easy to place used condoms, foils, lube sachets and wipes in them for us to empty at a later date. One of our volunteers makes sure that sacks are well-maintained. He’s been around recently replacing any damaged or missing sacks.

Before today’s litterpicking, a bit of ‘maintenance’ sawing down an overhanging branch that had got too low for many to get under.

Then  on to litterpicking with five of our excellent OWLS ready to go onto the woods armed with litterpickers and rubbish sacks.

As well as the usual sexual debris, cans and bottles there are other interesting finds. Was the guy who brought this intending to stay the night? (At least it was Kingsize!)

It’s been sunny. Very Dame Edna Everage!

Seems that someone has lost one of their balls

But we aren’t just there for the humour; we are there to clear the place up. It seems the foxes have made a start clearing this bin.

But this is man-made mess.

And is there any excuse for this?

Or this?

We don’t understand why guys throw rubbish on the ground when there is a bag right next to them. Is that what they do at home?

The refreshment break is always a good time to catch up with news, pull each others’ legs and have a chat. One of our number was so involved that he didn’t even get back for the break.

More litterpicking after our break and then time to seal the bags and leave them by the road for collection.

Twenty two collected by the OWLs at this litterpicking session. And nineteen sacks of litter collected by three of our volunteers working at solo sessions. That’s a grand total of forty-one sacks. Forty-one sacks of litter is forty-one sacks too many. But at least that litter has been removed and isn’t there to ruin the natural beauty of the woods, affect wildlife or offend other users.

The next OWL litterpick is on Tuesday, 7^th June. If you or someone you know think that it’s worth keeping the woods clear of litter so that everyone can enjoy this unique environment please consider joining us. Everyone is welcome. Just look out for details on Squirt or pitch up at the Snaresbrook Road car park for a 10.30 am start on any of the dates listed here.

(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 OWL Litterpick. Another opportunity to clear up the litter, much of it offensive to others. Five volunteers, all experienced, all ready for the task in hand.

Not just the litter that has been thrown around anywhere and everywhere. At least some have tried to put their rubbish in the right place – we just haven’t been able to keep up with the demand!

There’s always plenty to do. There was more than plenty today!

Here’s another place where we just haven’t kept up with demand. But thanks to those who have at least left their rubbish where it’s easy to collect, not carelessly chucked it in the bushes where access to it is more difficult.

Eventually, with plenty of litter having been collected, and more waiting to be, it was time for a refreshment break.

Then back to more collecting of litter and emptying of the black bags we’ve installed in those ‘Special Places’ that guys like to use.

Our OWL Volunteers covered as much of the cruising ground as they could in the time available.

And finally the stapling up of the rubbish sacks and stacking them at the roadside ready for collection by our friendly Forest Wardens.

And how’s this for commitment?! Aware that we had not had time to visit every Special Place we normally clear up, one of our wonderful volunteers went back to deal with them and collected a further three sacks of litter. So, in total, thirty one sacks of mixed litter were collected today, plus eight collected by one of our volunteers working solo. That’s a total this month of THIRTY NINE sacks.

The next OWL litterpick is on Tuesday, 3^rd May. If you or someone you know think that it’s worth keeping the woods clear of litter so that everyone can enjoy this unique environment please consider joining us. Everyone is welcome. Just look out for details on Squirt or pitch up at the Snaresbrook Road car park for a 10.30 am start on any of the dates listed here.

(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)

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, 5^th 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)

A great day for it in the woods – and for litterpicking as well!

Six enthusiastic volunteers had plenty of work to do emptying the various rubbish sacks. And, as a result of less-than-considerate visitors to the woods throwing their rubbish on the ground or in the bushes, collecting that too. Is this what they do in their own homes?!

It was our usual plan – work from the most distant point back towards the car park, meaning that we weren’t carrying ever-heavier sacks away from our base, only to have to bring them back. Our Cunning Plan!

The weather was good and we were able to make quick progress.

Sometimes out in the open and often in the bushes

And at the various ‘hot spots’ where a lot of the action occurs.

Of course, it’s always good to see that our rubbish bags have been appropriately used. Why chuck rubbish in the bushes when there’s a perfectly good rubbish sack to hand? (answers on a postcard!)

Plenty of sacks to be emptied; more than enough litter scattered around. Which eventually means the need for it to be carried back to the car park.

There’s a bonus in being back at the car park – once everyone is there it’s time for refreshments!

A chance for a break, a chat and a catch up.

Then back for more of the same but in another area not yet cleared.

And time to ensure that access from the back wasn’t impeded (a preference for some who use the woods). No more bending down needed before getting into this hot spot!

Then the sealing of the rubbish sacks and placing them ready for collection by the lovely Forest Keepers.

Another excellent OWL litterpick by our brilliant OWL Volunteers. Twenty five sacks of rubbish and a sleeping bag.

The next litterpick is on Tuesday, 1^st March when all are welcome.

(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)