Category Archives: Pix and Picks

With so much going on we weren’t sure how many of our lovely volunteers would turn up. And one of our most regular volunteers was going to be away having the pleasure of dealing with two huge organs (well, who wouldn’t turn down such an opportunity?!). Nevertheless we were pleased to welcome an enthusiastic group of willing volunteers. Our deadline was 12.57 pm when we reckoned the RAF 100-plane flypast would pass overhead; and we reckoned we would be in a good place to watch it.

So, as usual, we set off,  heading for each of the ‘hotspots’ which we treat as our priorities. Many users of the woods would find the amount of sexual debris there offensive. And we’d prefer that not to happen. It could lead to complaints and complaints could lead to ‘enforcement’. (Meaning regular patrols by Epping Forest Rangers – technically ‘constables’ – through the cruising areas.).

Lots to do, especially as we aimed to empty the rubbish sacks that we presume some well-meaning soul has left there, although they don’t seem to have considered that they need to be emptied.

Unsurprisingly there were plenty of drinks bottles and cans around. Lots of tissues and wetwipes. Quite a few condom foils and lube sachets. And used condoms. It’s our stock in trade. We’re used to it. And, given the amount of ‘action’ that the good weather, and reports on ‘Squirt’ seemed to have encouraged, there was a pleasing amount of litter in the various rubbish sacks, and relatively little in each of the hot spots. We’d dealt with ‘The Gymn’ and ‘Honeysuckle Corner’ (much less fragrant in this dry weather) before it was time to head back for our refreshments.

There’s always interesting conversation and friendly banter while we have our refreshments. And with men in uniform arriving to deal with a minor fire there were certain distractions.

But there was no slacking as we had a deadline to meet. So while one group headed off to deal with the area to the left of the car park, another headed to ‘(the late) Dirty Den’s’ and the nude sunbathing area. There was plenty to do.

With impeccable timing we made it back to base in time, with an impressive number of rubbish sacks filled with a wide range of litter.

Then out of the woods and off to the open areas of grass to watch the fly-past. We reckoned we got a good view.

The fly-past over it was time to head back to deal with the litter tally. But that didn’t stop our volunteers picking up rubbish on the way.

It took a while to seal the bags and arrange them carefully. The final tally of bags ready for collection at the side of the road – the equivalent of 45 sbe (small bags equivalents), plus a few bags left for collection elsewhere.

An excellent morning’s work. Well done to our brilliant volunteers.

 (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 of our regular ‘second Tuesday of the month’ OWL litterpicks at which we were pleased to be joined by three new guys who had heard what we do and were willing to join in – thanks, guys.

With the Safety Briefing over we took our usual route along the paths and into the various Hot Spots (some might say ‘orgy areas’) that are a feature of cruising at Snaresbrook. We like to consider the needs of cruisers and one of our party was ready with his secateurs to trim back vegetation which might otherwise scratch legs, or worse still, nether regions. Many of the paths are now much easier to access.

Wow! The idea that the place is much better without loads of rubbish and sexual debris seems to be finding favour with a lot of guys. There was very much less litter in practically every Hot Spot we visited. Possibly helped by us leaving black rubbish sacks which were being very well used. Here’s one Hot Spot BEFORE we started litterpicking. The rubbish sack was half full and there had been practically nothing thrown onto the ground.

 It was clear that our new volunteers soon picked up the hang of using litterpickers and were soon experts at the task.

 Whoever left clear rubbish sacks along a number of routes through the woods had maybe done a good job of distributing them, but didn’t seem to have considered that they also needed to be emptied. Nevertheless it was good to see them being used – practically no litter surrounding them – and it seemed only fair that we empty them. Well, at least those which were still in a state where they could be re-used.

Lots of litter picked in an hour or so then back to base for some welcome refreshments and the opportunity to offer drinks to guys showing an interest in what we were doing – and planning to come and help at the next litterpick. Our friendly ‘core team’ always enjoy the banter during our break.

Then onwards again, our aim being to visit more of the Hot Spots where we have left rubbish sacks. And joy of joys (some of us are easily pleased!) THE SACKS ARE BEING USED, leading to much less litter on the ground.

OWL is in its fourth year of litterpicking and we are seeing an ongoing reduction in the amount of sexual debris around the place. More guys are taking their litter away and more guys are using the rubbish sacks.

Having finally brought all of the sacks back to base and prepared them for collection we were justly proud of today’s haul.

 The final count? An impressive 21 sacks of rubbish – much of it ready for recycling (don’t worry – the used condoms weren’t put in the recycling 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)

Each year we like to ‘refresh’ the various signs that are displayed around the cruising area.

Some guys don’t care how many condom foils, condoms and lube sachets they could be standing on while having their fun. On the other hand others tell us that they are dismayed that so much offensive sexual debris is left around. The area is used by very many people with a variety of reasons for being there. Some like to enjoy the fresh air, some are there spotting the rich diversity of the wildlife in this ancient woodland, there are walkers, cyclists and runners, picnic-ers, kite-flyers, etc. And there guys cruising for sex. All have a legitimate right to be there. The litterpickers that form the OWL (OUT With Litter) group have a simple aim – to clear up the sexual debris that starts to build up unless dealt with, in order to make the area a nicer place to be and to reduce complaints about the rubbish that many regard as offensive.

Part of what OWL does is to display notices around the cruising area encouraging guys to take their litter away with them or to use the bins, or rubbish sacks, provided. More and more guys are being considerate to others and ensuring that they put their rubbish in a bin or bag

For this session a trio of the longest-serving OWLs (A Parliament of them, in fact!) aimed to clear up a number of the ‘hotspots’ and put up new flyers and posters.

Over the time the OWLs have been clearing up the litter the various ‘hotspots’ have taken on appropriate names: Honeysuckle Corner, Dirty Den, That Place Below the Mound That We Only Discovered Recently, The Gymn, The Orgy Area, That Place Where XXXX Likes to Take His Shags, and so on.

It must surely be a measure of the horniness and enthusiasm of many many guys that so much sexual debris builds up in some of the ‘hotspots’.

Please don’t get us wrong. OWLs are not the litter police and nor are they spoilsports. OWL wants cruising to continue at Snaresbrook. The less litter, and especially sexual debris, there is, the fewer complaints will be received. In fact, when we were last advised, since OWL started running litterpicks there have been no complaints. Result!

So thanks, not just to the OWLs, but to the many guys who dispose of their sexual debris considerately. And to those guys who don’t – please think again.

In several places the OWLs have put up signs requesting that guys take their litter away, and to make it even easier to be considerate, rubbish sacks have been left. Our OWLs collect these regularly, hopefully before they overflow.

Someone has left some almost-clear rubbish sacks around the woods. In OWL’s view not at all discrete, far too many, and not respecting the nature of the environment. Nevertheless, some are being used, and as long as they are emptied or collected regularly then they are potentially helpful.

We’d enjoyed our refreshments during the morning session; we’d covered plenty of territory; we’d achieved our aim of putting flyers in and cleaning up the ‘hotspots’; and we’d put up some general posters as gentle reminders of how good it is to be considerate of others. What’s not to like? Our final tally of rubbish sacks: seven ‘sexual debris’ bags and three bags of recycling.

Our next OWL litterpick is on Tuesday, 12^th June, starting off from the Snaresbrook Road car park (whether it’s open or not) at 10.30 am. All are welcome. We are an informal group of volunteers who don’t take ourselves too seriously and are simply there to get on with the task of clearing up the litter. No formality, no ‘membership’, nothing to pay. Why not consider taking part?

 (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 fact that the car park barrier was locked shut didn’t put off our intrepid OWLs from turning up for our second litterpick of the year (nor did the advertising of the wrong date in one Squirt post).

Although unpopular in many ways, we suppose the upside of the car park being locked shut is that there was very much less litter to collect from that area (nevertheless we’d prefer the car park to be open and available to all!!).

We warmly embraced a new system whereby we bag recyclables like glass and plastic bottles and cans into a separate recycling bag. By the end of the session our recycling results were impressive.

Taking the usual route through the various nooks and crannies which see the most action our volunteers made quick progress, picking up the familiar range of pieces of rubbish. Anything from discarded clothing (including a very large bra) and shoes (often only one), to cans and bottles, carrier bags, food containers and the inevitable sexual debris – condoms (mainly, but not exclusively used ones), condom foils, lube sachets, tissues, wipes, the odd empty bottle of poppers, the occasional Viagra packet or a Kamagra gel sachet.

We worked well, both together and separately, each tenacious in his task to get rid of the rubbish and create an environment that is better for everybody – cruisers, dog walkers, dog walkers pretending to be dog walking but actually covertly cruising, families, cyclists, cyclists pretending to be cycling but covertly cruising, nature lovers, naturists, naturists pretending to be ‘enjoying being naked’ but actually enjoying exhibiting, and so on. And nothing wrong with being any of them.

With our sacks full it was a good excuse to return to the car park and have some refreshments. We welcome others to join us for refreshments but didn’t have any visitors today. Some didn’t mind being in a pic; some did. Either is fine. There were more than adequate supplies of Coke Zero. Strangely everyone preferred tea of coffee.

Having been joined by another welcome member of the group we headed off again, this time with one group heading east and one heading west. Again, there was no shortage of rubbish to be found and again our volunteers made a difference. For the second litterpick in a row it was good to see that in most places where we had left empty sacks, hung up for people to use, they were being well-used.

Finally, back to base, staple the bags closed and put them on the pavement ready for collection.

Another good haul. 9 sacks of recyclable and 15 sacks of general debris, much of it sexual. 24 sacks in all. A good result.

 (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)

Our first litterpick of the year – a Spring Clean!

All credit to the guys who tuned up to undertake the litterpicking task under such muddy conditions. And for the enthusiasm that was shown in getting started. There was plenty to do, and we must have been doing it well as a late arrival found where we were by following a trail where there was no litter!

Having had no organised litterpicking for a few months – but thanks to those individual guys who had been out and collected litter in the winter months – the usual hotspots were not necessarily hot, but some were pretty warm!

We visited the usual places and found the usual sexual debris. Such a shame that guys can’t be more considerate and take their rubbish away with them, or at least put it in one of the bins. Many do, of course and we are grateful. More could do.

A bit late for the pantomime, but Cinderella seemed to have left one of her slippers behind.

A stop for refreshments – always needed, always welcome, always ample – and we were off again.

Good to see that the bags we leave around the cruising areas are well used.

Wise OWLS do give a hoot and with much of the vegetation having died down we could collect litter in places we wouldn’t normally get to.

Another brilliant litterpicking session – an excellent job done by our lovely volunteers. The equivalent of 24 bags of litter collected.

 (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 last OWL litterpick of 2017 – our Final Festive Event of The Year!

Cold? Yes, to start with!     Dry? Yes, very.   Muddy? No!      Good litterpicking weather? Yes!

Our willing volunteers got started and were soon finding some interesting items. Whatever were two canisters of this doing at Snaresbrook?

Someone must have been hoping to find ‘chicken’!

Equipped and dressed for the Festive Season, Elf and SafeT (well it is Panto time!) were soon on the case.

Well-dressed for the part!

Maybe because there is less action in the woods, definitely because we know that more and more guys are taking their litter away with them, there was less to collect than usual. Any disappointment that Santa’s sack wouldn’t be as full as usual was compensated for by the excellent views that should have been enjoyed by the cruisers – but there were very few on this fine morning.

A view of the Fuck Tree that many won’t have seen!

Strange icicles

Someone had skillful hands!

The refreshments were especially welcome and ample as usual – including mulled wine that had a kick to it that kept out the cold – and delicious mince pies from a quality source!

Then onwards for more litterpicking. And more interesting views with the sun low in the sky and the woods looking lonely.

Moody!

Between them our volunteers managed to clean up all of the woods to the south of Snaresbrook Road, including The Mound. Good to see that the black bags we have left around are being well-used.

Elf – or was he goblin’?!

And we even ventured to pastures new to the north of the road (sorry e18prof – we hope you don’t mind us working on your patch!).

Another good day’s work. 10 sacks of litter collected.

The remainder of Santa’s sacks – appropriately decorated

Some of the rubbish had been collected and taken away part-way through the session

The OWLs take a break now until April 2018. After all, who wants to be in the woods when it’s cold, wet, muddy and dark?! (in truth, quite a few of us do, but probably not looking for litter and sexual debris!)

Check out our ‘Dates of Events’ page for litterpicks in 2018. They are the second Tuesday of each month. All are welcome and it’s not unknown for some who take part to have a Happy Ending while strolling round afterwards!

Huge thanks to all of the OWLs who have taken part in litterpicks in 2017 – you have made a big difference, reduced to zero any complaints being made about the sexual debris that some find offensive, and therefore lessened the likelihood of ‘enforcement’ by extra forest patrols.

And further thanks to the increasing number of considerate guys who are now taking their litter away or putting it in the bins or strategically-placed rubbish sacks.

Happy Christmas and Happy Cruising!

 (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)

With our crack team ready for action this was bound to be an efficient and effective litterpicking session where we would move throughout the cruising area, picking up as much litter as we could find, and in particular concentrating on the hotspots to remove the inevitable condoms, condom foils, lube sachets, wipes etc.

But early on in our travels we found an empty wallet. We couldn’t help thinking that this might have been the result of some pickpocketing. Generally cruising at Snaresbrook is a safe experience – but it’s always wise to be careful and leave valuables safely locked away in the car.

If it’s yours and you want it back let us know

It was good to see that more and more guys are taking their litter away – there was, again, much less than we would usually expect. Thanks guys! Some hotspots are obviously used by those who don’t care about litter and ‘The Gym’ (featured in several previous reports) is one. There’s a lot of activity there.

before

after

With each of our skilled volunteers taking on different areas we could make fast progress. We sometimes find some unusual objects during our litterpicking…..     

                       Just put your lips round this and blow!

The rate at which our volunteers work is always impressive and it wasn’t long before we were ready for our refreshment break. We are always happy to welcome anyone cruising in the woods, but we got no takers. Pity!

Refreshments – always welcome

In the hope that rather than chucking their sexual debris on the ground guys will put it in a rubbish sack we’ve left sacks in a few places. And we routinely empty those sacks. Some have been very well used. Others have become rubbish themselves!

The idea is to put rubbish in the sack, not make the sack the rubbish.

The litterpickers we use are ideal in most circumstances – but as we all know, having an extra long one has its benefits.

“I could do with a long one over here, guys” was possibly misinterpreted by some!

We worked on, ensuring that we collected all the rubbish we could see – whether that was sexual debris, or paper, bottles, cans, etc..

All good things must come to an end (well, for this litterpick at least) and eventually our sacks were displayed for all to see. A total of 17 sacks – an impressive load!

Well done guys!!

We’d planned that this would be our last litterpick of the year, but due to popular demand we’ve arranged an extra ‘Christmas’ litterpick for 12^th December. Christmas hats, mulled wine and mince pies – what’s not to like?!

 (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)

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)