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, 7th 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)