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)