A litter pick on the Oxford waterways, good company, good work, good reason to get involved. This was intended to be more of a deep clean than a simple surface tidy - and in many ways, it showed both how much we can achieve together, and how much potential we still have to grow. The first session went well in terms of bringing people together and getting started, but we mostly stayed with the lighter, more visible work. That gave us a good foundation, even if the deeper impact we’re aiming for is still ahead of us. With that in mind, we organised a second session to build on what we’d begun.
Going into the second litter pick, there was a shared sense that we could stretch a bit further, toward tackling some of the more hidden and long-standing areas of waste. That’s not easy work, and it naturally brings challenges in how we organise ourselves and support each other.
As always with open, volunteer-led spaces, there’s no fixed leadership - people step in where they feel comfortable, contribute what they can, and follow what makes sense in the moment. This openness is a strength, though it can sometimes make it harder to keep a shared focus as the day unfolds.
The initial idea was to begin further out in the quieter, more natural stretch, and gradually work back toward town. This approach gives space for everyone to find their rhythm - with a softer start, and room for others to join in as the day builds. It also helps us gently work toward the more complex areas, rather than hitting them all at once. In practice, as often happens, energy flowed in different directions. Some people were drawn to visible areas near the boats, where it’s easier to see immediate results. That’s understandable, it’s satisfying to see progress right in front of you.
At the same time, this brought up some important learning moments around working near people’s homes and spaces. These are shared environments, and navigating them respectfully is something we’re all still learning together. Moments of tension did arise, but they also highlighted how important communication and awareness are in this kind of work.
As the day went on, we encountered some of the more challenging waste that we know is part of the bigger environmental picture here. These moments can be difficult, but they’re also where the work becomes most meaningful. They give us a clearer understanding of the scale of what we’re taking on. Despite dips in energy (as expected in this kind of hands-on work), the group kept going and made a real difference, including clearing a long-abandoned encampment. That’s no small achievement, even if it’s only one part of a much larger task.
Toward the end, we naturally shifted back to lighter, more visible clearing. This helped us finish on a positive note, with a sense of completion for the day. There’s also a clear opportunity to grow how we share this work more widely, connecting with passersby, local boaters, and the wider community, that outreach is an important next step in strengthening what we’re building.
Afterwards, some of the follow-up - especially on the media and coordination side - is still finding its footing. That’s something we can improve together, as it plays a key role in supporting the longer-term goals around protecting the moorings.
What’s becoming clear is that this isn’t just about a few clean-up days. It’s part of a bigger journey, one that includes learning how to work together, how to handle challenges, and how to stay focused over time. There may still be a chance to achieve a quicker win, but it’s equally possible that this becomes a longer-term effort. Either way, every step we take now is building experience, relationships, and understanding.
Like all grassroots projects, it’s a bit messy, but that’s part of the process. If we keep showing up, supporting each other, and learning as we go, that mess becomes something we can work with.
