Litter Picking

Saturday, 26th April 2025

Eltham Common woodland

What lovely weather we have had recently - perfect for a stroll through the woodlands while litter picking.  Our Litter Picking sessions take place once every month and vary the location each time unless we receive information of a large amount of domestic or garden waste having been tipped in a specific area.

April's session was focused on Eltham Common woodland, the area that stretches down from the car park at Severndroog Castle to Well Hall Road, and which runs alongside Shooters Hill, where we generally find a great deal of rubbish has blown into the woodland from the roads. This rubbish can be harmful to woodland wildlife; as the plastic chocolate wrappers, crisp bags etc. break down they become micro plastics which can be injested by animals, and the chemicals from the processing of these packages is absorbed into the soil, changing its make-up and impacting the plants and trees.

In spring, what is generally quite an easy pick, becomes much more difficult as vegetation starts to grow. The vigorous growth of brambles made retrieving the waste more than a little tricky this session!  However, as usual, our team of six were not deterred and besides the usual litter, they removed an abandoned tent, mossy bedding, a pet carrier complete with used pet bedding (though fortunately no pet) the usual gas canisters and, in all, 12 sacks of general rubbish. 

Thanks volunteers for removing this waste and protecting the flora and fauna in the woodlands!

To join our volunteers, please email Christine at: oxleas.volunteers@gmail.com