Find out more about Naked Heart Walks and the programme yet to come this summer!
News and Articles
News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
Find out more about Naked Heart Walks and the programme yet to come this summer!
Their newsletter - Focus - is published every two months and provides an update as to what’s going on in the INF and beyond. The latest edition includes reports on the international beach volleyball tournament and the ENY youth gathering in Belgium with updates from France, Hungary, Switzerland, Brazil and even an event celebrating the language of Esperanto!
It's available from the BN website downloads section
I took on the role of Volunteering Officer because I fundamentally believed that Naturism is beneficial to all and there was so much more that could be done, if only we had the volunteers that could make things happen.
I have recently been looking back over the last 60 years of BN for an article to be published in the summer issue of the BN Magazine. It has been an interesting voyage of discovery with so many great initiatives started and so many volunteers involved. But I also got a strong sense that we had not achieved our full potential. Over the years we have had so many good initiatives started but not completed because of changes of direction, lack of resources, and a failure to prioritise. During that time many willing volunteers have become overloaded with work and been unable to carry on.
This is common in many volunteer-involving organisations and hopefully we have learned the lessons. Creating less demanding roles can help – such as having Regional Events Officers responsible for different types of events (garden visits, naked dining etc.) and creating Teams. Teams are important. They enable people to work together, share ideas and responsibilities, and support one another. This approach is working and we have more volunteers than we have had in a long while.
As I journeyed through the last 60 years, I could not help but reflect on the commitment of all these people who had given their time, skills and energy for the future of Naturism in Britain; many of them whilst still managing a job and family life. Many of the contributors to the magazine articles I read were active in the organisation and some of those volunteers are no longer with us. But we should remember them and value their contribution to getting BN to where it is today. They were the ones making history.
You can help make history by volunteering with British Naturism and contributing in some small way to the next 60 years of BN’s history. Don’t leave it to others to make that happen – if you can help in anyway, please do volunteer and lend a hand.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more.
There are all kinds of volunteering roles and short term or micro volunteering assignments you could do.
To find out more about British Naturism’s volunteering programme see the volunteering pages on our website.
To register as a BN volunteer, or to register your interest in volunteering with British Naturism, visit our Volunteer Connect platform, which is part of the BN website (Members Area > Volunteering > My Volunteering Profile). Alternatively, use the direct link.
It will take you less than two minutes to create your own volunteering profile (perhaps a little longer if you want to add content to the text-free boxes). Once you have completed and saved this you are registered as a BN volunteer.
When you use our Volunteer Connect platform you will be able to access guidance on becoming a volunteer (if you are new to volunteering), view our volunteering opportunities and apply for them online, manage your own contact details, download guidance, read our latest volunteering news and share your views through the BN Forum.
HELPING OTHERS TO GET ACTIVE
We have a growing team of Regional Sports Officers. Their role is to lead the development of the region's involvement in naturist sport and undertake the coordination, organisation, promotion and support of naturist sports activities, events and competitions within the region. Key Activities include:
Planning and delivery of regional sports activities, events and competitions Advising on rules and requirements of naturist sports Contact point on naturist sports Ceremonial functions Arranging judges and officials Promoting naturist sports, health and wellbeing benefits. Skills Needed
Experience or enthusiasm for organising sports Well organisation with attention to detail Event management skills Enthusiasm to encourage others’ participation Written and verbal communication skills Interpersonal skills Willingness to talk about naturism and sport in a public arena. Where: there are vacancies for this role within the Eastern, South West, North West, London & South East, and Yorkshire & East Midlands regions.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
To find out more about the role and opportunities for Regional Sports Officers in your region, search or browse our volunteering opportunities listing using our our Volunteer Connect platform on the BN website (member login required).
There are sun-bathing terraces, a large grass lawn and a café offering a wide range of refreshments.
It's not long ago that the idea of naked swims in locations like these would have been unthinkable, so please do make use of the opportunity.
Come and join us on the evening of Saturday 15 June!
We have a growing team of Regional Beach Officers. Their role is to ensure that information on our naturist beaches (such as suitable travel routes, parking, access, safety and facilities) is accurate, up-to-date and informative; as well as coordinating access to local beaches; promoting their use by naturists and the general public; maintaining contact with local authorities, landowners and others that manage access to beaches and lobbying for more signage.
Our team of volunteer Beach Officers cover designated beaches or coastline. As well as coordinating access to local beaches and promoting their use by naturists and the general public, the role might also include organising Beach Days, skinny dips and clean-up events. So if you love visiting beautiful bare beaches and could help others access them too, then this is the ideal role for you! This exciting role is full of variety and is ideally suited for anyone interested in sun, sea and sand.
Besides having a knowledge of naturist beaches in their area (or a willingness to acquire this); good research and recce skills and an enthusiasm for promoting naturist beaches to the wider public are needed. It is highly flexible and will depend on the availability of the volunteer, the seasonal nature of the role and the need to address any particular issues associated with beaches in the locality. Ideal as a home-based opportunity with travel to local beaches.
In the South West Region, Regional Beach Officers are needed for specific beaches or coastline, including Cornwall South Coast, Cornwall North Coast, Devon North Coast, and South Wales.
In the London & South East Region, Regional Beach Officers are needed for specific beaches or coastline, including Hampshire (East), East and West Sussex, and Kent.
In the Eastern Region, Regional Beach Officer(s) are needed for specific beaches or stretch of coast along the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coastlines.
In the Yorkshire and East Midlands Region Regional Beach Officer(s) are needed for the Yorkshire and the Lincolnshire Coastlines.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
To find out more about the role and opportunities for Regional Beach Officers in your region, see the opportunity description on our Volunteer Connect platform on the BN website (member login required).
Bigger events happening later in the year:
Please note that only events organised by BN are covered by BN’s insurance. Participants in the other events should make their own enquiries regarding appropriate insurance cover for that event.
June 7-10 Highland Walking Weekend
June 8 Alnwick Garden Visit
June 14-23 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping
June 17-23 Nudefest
June 22 Stirling jail lock in & dining
June 26-30 Montenegro Games without Borders
June 28-30 Weekend Getaway North Wales
July 9 Day visit to Steep Holm Island
July 12-14 Windermere Camping Break
July 13-14 Norton Lakes Weekend
July 13 River Forth Boat Trip
July 13 Bo’ness Motor Museum
July 19-21 YBN Sports Weekend North
July 27 Boat Trip around Farne Island.
July 27 Cardiff’s Naked Dine Cruise
July 29-4 Aug Summer Camp North Wales
Aug 4-11 New Quay Summer Camp
Aug 9-11 Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
Aug 9-11 International Petanque Tournament
Aug 15-19 Everybody Festival
Aug 31-7 Sept Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
INF -FNI/EUNAT
Naked Dining
Naked Heart Walks
Sports Events
Swims & Waterparks
Walks & Hikes
Highland Walking Weekend
June 7 to 10
A walk to suit most abilities from strolls to multi-Munro epics, plus wild swimming.
Perthshire
Steeple Clayton Walk
June 7
A 7 to 8 mile circular walk through the Vale of Aylesbury.
Buckinghamshire
Club Naturel
June 7
A private pool with hot tub and sauna.
Norfolk
Manchester World Naked Bike Ride
June 7
Assemble in All Saints Park at 6 for a 7pm start.
Manchester
The Big Quiz
June 7
A friendly quiz to test your knowledge, knowing the weight of a cow could be useful!
NI Online
WSC Swim
June 7
A swim in Chepstow plus sauna & steam room.
Monmouthshire
Ladies Only Swim
June 7
Clothes optional in a private pool with hot tub and sauna.
Norfolk
Watford Swim
June 7
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
June 7
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
WNBR Manchester
June 7
Assemble 18:00 Sackville Gardens, start 19:00
Manchester
Bunkhouse Weekend in Wales
June 8 to 10
A Welsh cottage in the Cambrian Mountains, with kitchen & showers but no fridge.
Ceredigion
Breast Cancer Fundraising Walk
June 8
Clothes optional walk over part of the Cuckoo Trail for 6 miles.
East Sussex
Burrows Garden Visit
June 8
Book in advance for best prices.
Derbyshire
Wigton Swim
June 8
A GBSD 2 hour monthly swim at the Wigton Pool.
Cumbria
Sleaford Swim
June 8
Small pool, gym, squash courts, sauna & steam room.
Lincolnshire
Naked Yoga
June 8
Monthly naked yoga in Belfast
Northern Ireland
Spectrum Swim
June 8
Not only a GBSD swim & sauna but also refreshments, yoga, themed food evenings, gym etc. etc.!
West Midlands
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
June 8
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
Alnwick Garden Visit
June 8
CANCELLED.
Northumberland
Bircotes Swim
June 8
A GBSD swim, socialise in the sauna or play table tennis or badminton at this GBSD event.
Yorkshire
WNBR London
June 8
Starts from various locations.
London
Slingsby Walk
June 9
A 7.5-mile walk, undulating with 3 moderate hills, and stunning views of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Yorkshire
Rydale Club Swim
June 9
Fortnightly GBSD swim, 3 to 5, at Malton, with a 25m pool and sauna.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 9
Early evening GBSD swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
Scotney Castle Gardens
June 9
Our third visit to these romantic gardens.
Kent
Northampton Swim
June 9
GBSD swim with two pools, sauna, steam room, plunge pool & Turkish hot rooms.
Northamptonshire
Withington Pool
June 9
A GBSD return visit to this beautiful Edwardian pool, complete with stained glass windows and sauna.
Manchester
Potteries Swim
June 9
Swim and relax in a friendly environment; over 18 only.
Staffordshire
WNBR Brighton & Hove
June 9
Assemble Preston Park, start 12 noon
East Sussex
BN / NatRam Walk
June 11
An 11 mile walk, shorter one available, on the chalk downs above Salisbury.
Wiltshire
Ladies GBSD & Spa Day
June 11
Enjoy the pool, hot tub and sauna with female masseur available.
Lancashire
Shaftesbury Lido Swim
June 11
Heated outdoor pool, refurbished with equipment upgraded.
Dorset
Visit to Houghton Lodge Gardens
June 12
Turn up and experience this delightful mixture of formal plantings & more natural settings.
Hampshire
Visit to the Dorothy Clive Gardens
June 12
Clothing optional evening visit, with refreshments available in the pavilion or bring your own.
Shropshire
Bristol Swim
June 12
Weekly swim at the Jubilee Pool
Bristol
BN/Natram Walk
June 13
An 11 mile, or shorter, walk through gentle countryside, with a pub meal at the end.
Hampshire
Naked Dining & Skittles
June 13
Drive or train or even stay overnight, at the Mill Arms in Dunbridge.
Hampshire
Manchester Male Swim
June 13
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
Rosslyn Glamping & Camping
June 14 – 23
A clothing optional week, hire one of our huts or the boat or bring your own motorhome or tent.
Norfolk
Nettlebed Walk
June 14
A 7 mile circular walk through the west end of the Chilterns.
Oxfordshire
Swim at Petersfield Open Air Pool
Jun 14
First of 3 GBSD swims this year in water heated to 27°C, plus café and BBQ.
Hampshire
The Big Quiz
June 14
A friendly quiz to test your knowledge, knowing the weight of a cow could be useful!
NI Online
WSC Swim
June 14
A swim in Chepstow plus sauna & steam room.
Monmouthshire
Club Naturel Swim
June 14
A regular Friday swim in a private hire pool with hot tub and sauna
Norfolk
Watford Swim
June 14
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
June 14
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
GBSD Kerensa Cottage
June 15
A private pool & garden with collection for BHF.
Somerset
Sports Taster Day
June 15
Learn how to play Miniten & Boules plus enjoy all the great facilities at LSAS.
Merseyside
Sports Taster Day
June 15
Learn how to play Boules, have a few games & meet new friends at this well appointed club.
Yorkshire
MSNC Swim
June 15
A regular swim with sauna & steam room.
Suffolk
Spectrum Swim
June 15
Not only swim & sauna but also refreshments, yoga, themed food evenings, gym etc. etc.!
West Midlands
Leonardslee Gardens Walk
June 15
Clothing optional walk raising funds for BHF. A buggy to the valley for those with accessibility issues.
West Sussex
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
June 15
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
South Forest Swim Edwinstowe
June 15
Family friendly GBSD swim with pool, flume, sauna & jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
Southampton Swim
June 15
Family friendly swim.
Hampshire
Peterborough Lido GBSD
June 15
A wonderful example of a 1930’s Lido with 3 heated pools, please pre-book.
Cambridgeshire
Mid-Anglia Swim Mildenhall
June 15
Enjoy the health benefits of swimming naked & experience the sauna the way it should be use.
Suffolk
WNBR Cambridge
June 15
Park Entrance Victoria Av
Cambridgeshire
Studland Beach Day
June 16
Bring a picnic and enjoy the day on this fantastic beach.
Dorset
Nudie Dudie GBSD Swim
June 16
Please confirm attendance with the organiser.
South Glamorgan
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 16
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
Forth Swim at Haddington
June 16
Family friendly swim with sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
South Wales Meet & Greet
June 16
Clothed event, meet for a chat & a pint or even a meal.
South Glamorgan
Nudefest
June 17 – 23
Annual celebration of Naturism.
Somerset
Visit Bexhill Museum
June 18
Home to a variety of objects of natural history, the Elva racing car, a 1940’s model railway and much more.
East Sussex
Moira Lakes Skinny Dip
June 18
Ladies only at 6:30 and a mixed dip at 7pm plus paddle board naked and pizza available.
Northern Ireland
Bristol Swim
June 19
Weekly swim at the Jubilee Pool
Bristol
Stark Trekkers Long Man Downs Walk
June 20
Celebrate Naked Hiking Day with a 6 mile midsummer day walk on the South Downs.
Kent
Manchester Male Swim
June 20
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
WNHD Levisham
June 21
Join us on WNHD for a 6 mile naturist circular walk, mainly flat with one moderate hill.
Yorkshire
WNHD Lake District
June 21
Clothing optional walk including at least one summit
Cumbria
Club Naturel Swim
June 21
A regular Friday swim in a private hire pool with hot tub and sauna
Norfolk
The Big Quiz
June 21
Online quiz organised to test your general knowledge.
Northern Ireland
WSC Chepstow Swim
June 21
Regular Friday swim with sauna and steam room.
Monmouthshire
Watford Swim
June 21
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
June 21
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
Haslemere Sun Club Open Weekend
June 22
This open weekend is free to anyone wishing to visit.
Hampshire
Charity Karaoke Night
June 22
Hosted by a special guest plus food, bingo and raffle. Please pre book.
Merseyside
TANDO Patio Party
June 22
Join the members to share food, a drink and lively conversation.
Tyne & Wear
Sleaford Swim
June 22
Small pool, gym, squash court, sauna & steam room.
Lincolnshire
Spectrum Swim
June 22
Not only swim & sauna but also refreshments, yoga, themed food evenings, gym etc. etc.!
West Midlands
Stirling Jail Naked Lock-In & Meal
June 22
A scary naked lock-in at Stirling Town Jail followed by a naturist meal.
Stirlingshire
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
June 22
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
Diogenes GBSD Swim
June 22
In aid of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, at one of the top naturist clubs.
Buckinghamshire
Helmsley Open Air GBSD
June 22
A collection for BHF, also encouraged to get sponsorship. Pre-booking essential.
Yorkshire
WNBR Chelmsford
June 22
Assemble 2, start 3, Market Square, High Chelmer
Essex
Rydale Club Swim
June 23
Fortnightly swim, 3 to 5, at Malton, with a 25m pool and sauna.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 23
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
Potteries Swim
June 23
Swim and relax in a friendly environment; over 18 only.
Staffordshire
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
As in previous years tea and coffee will be on sale and you are welcome to take a picnic.
It's a beautiful place - come and enjoy it once again, as nature intended!
Find out more and book your place!
Let us not forget the tremendous work undertaken by our Regional Teams, all of whom rely on volunteers. Our Regional Teams are at the heart of British Naturism, organising an array of activities and events, promoting naturism and looking after the interests of members.
In addition to admin roles and looking after clubs and members in each region, there are a wide variety of regional events taking place, as well as two regional meetings each year. Local walks, naked dining, spa days, garden visits, beach days, skinny dipping events, and visits to museums, galleries and other places of interest that all require volunteers to make them happen.
Each Region has a Regional Organiser and a Deputy Regional Organiser. Other roles vary from region to region but there are vacancies for Regional Administrators, Regional PROs, Regional Sports Officers, Regional Events Officers, Local Events Organisers or teams of Regional Event Stewards, Regional Families Coordinators, Walks Coordinators and Area Contacts. There will also be volunteers who take on organising or coordinating the regional events.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
To find out more about the volunteering opportunities in your region, search or browse our volunteering opportunities listing using our Volunteer Connect platform on the BN website (member login required).
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
They are not BN events, nor 'Naturist' events per se, but they have contributed to the acceptance of Naturism. The rides attract thousands of riders and are incredibly well-run by a collective of passionate volunteers, and now appear in multiple UK towns and cities.
And it's massive fun - taking place in a carnival atmosphere - flags, whistles, music, body-paint. Nudity isn't mandatory and the naked the dressed and everywhere in between participate - including loads of people who've never been anywhere near naked in public before. Take your friends and show them just what fun clothes-free living can be.
The UK season of rides kicks off tomorrow
Date/Location Information
June 7 Manchester
June 8 London
June 9 Brighton
June 15 Cambridge
June 22 Chelmsford
June 29 York
June 29 Cardiff
July 6 Edinburgh
July 6 Ipswich
July 7 Bristol
July 13 Colchester
July 20 Portsmouth
July 20 Clacton
July 27 Folkestone
August 24 Folkestone
My thanks to Dave Smith for collating the list and finding the links!
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The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering. So taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to recognise, celebrate and thank our incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our community, as well as the voluntary sector and society as a whole, has never been more important.
Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity to thank our volunteers. If you would like to leave a message below thanking particular volunteers or a specific group of volunteers, please do so. Your appreciation and encouragement will be very welcome.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
Do you know somebody whose contribution to the cause of Naturism has been exceptional and whom you think BN should recognise by the award of a Certificate of Merit?
The Executive Committee welcomes nominations for Certificates of Merit from members. Certificates are usually awarded at the AGM, and in order to allow the EC to give proper consideration to nominations we're asking for these no later than 15 July 2024.
Nominees don't have to be members – indeed certificates have in the past been awarded to people outside BN whose contribution has been considered exceptional. And the nominee could be a single person or a group, such as a club, couple, team or company.
To find out more, including how to go about making a nomination, see the News and Announcements section on the Members' Forum.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more.
There are all kinds of volunteering roles and short term or micro volunteering assignments you could do.
To find out more about British Naturism’s volunteering programme see the volunteering pages on our website.
To register as a BN volunteer, or to register your interest in volunteering with British Naturism, visit our Volunteer Connect platform, which is part of the BN website (Members Area > Volunteering > My Volunteering Profile). Alternatively, use the direct link.
It will take you less than two minutes to create your own volunteering profile (perhaps a little longer if you want to add content to the text-free boxes). Once you have completed and saved this you are registered as a BN volunteer.
When you use our Volunteer Connect platform you will be able to access guidance on becoming a volunteer (if you are new to volunteering), view our volunteering opportunities and apply for them online, manage your own contact details, download guidance, read our latest volunteering news and share your views through the BN Forum.
I'll be joined by BN's Archivist, Brian Curragh and we'll chat about that merger and some of the events that led up to it and then saunter through the 60 years that followed exploring the landmark moments and tracking our excellent progress to the present day. BN's Volunteering Officer, John Gelder, will talk about Challenge 60, our 60th anniversary project to get everyone doing more nude things and spreading the word.
Join us on the night over in the BN shop
This year Volunteers’ Week will culminate in The Big Help Out, from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June, where people across the UK will get the chance to experience a range of volunteer taster sessions. Within BN we are holding our own BIG Help Out at British Naturism: Sunfolk with Work Party volunteers helping to get the site ready for its re-opening on the 28 June 2024.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to the final stage of the re-development of British Naturism: Sunfolk and undertake the work needed to ready the site for its re-opening. You’ll also get a sneak preview of the site before it opens including the new glamping pods (pictured).
You do not need to be a master craftsman to join these weekends, all you need is a willingness to 'get stuck in' with others to get the job done. You will need to be physically fit to undertake a variety of physical tasks, such as preparing and seeding new lawns, planting shrubs, clearing leaves, managing trees, shrubs and weed-growth, laying gravel footpaths and hard standing, clearing drainage ditches and similar works. There will also be some moving and setting up tasks ahead of the site re-opening. There is something for everyone. As one of our volunteers, Paul, recently commented ....
I’m totally useless at both DIY and gardening, but I’ve been kept busy at Sunfolk for the last two days …. and really enjoyed it; so no excuses, sign up to volunteer.
We would welcome help from members who would like to spend time at our Sunfolk site in St Albans, Hertfordshire for one, two or several days as a member of our weekend work parties, from 09:30 to 16:00. There are work parties running throughout June, but we are also running some BIG WEEKENDS when we are going to try and achieve a larger group task with as many people as we can.
7-9 June
15-16 June
Clothes optional (and probably weather dependent!) though you will need to wear suitable footwear; garden gloves (if appropriate) and other protective equipment if using power tools or if specifically requested. For those who wish to stay overnight, camping pitches (motorhomes, campervans or caravans only) are available free of charge; indoor accommodation in Glamping Pods (bring own sleeping bag) is also available on request. No tents. Lunch and refreshments will be provided but those staying overnight will need to provide their own meals at other times (onsite kitchen and takeaway menus available). Travel costs for those who would like to participate but who are unable to afford to do so due to the cost of travel may be met (if agreed in advance).
This is a micro volunteering opportunity so all you need to do is send an email to sunfolk-workparty@bn.org.uk. Your email will be acknowledged and you will be sent information on how to register for your preferred dates.
The club has a large sunbathing area adjacent to the solar heated pool and extensive lawns for sunbathing, with sunbeds provided.
Overnight stays are possible, there's free tea and coffee throughout and sandwiches and cake will available at 3.30 pm for a small charge.
New to Naturism? - Not a problem! This is a perfect opportunity to try it for the first time - or for Naturist ladies to bring a friend!
It's great to get new venues for costume-free swimming and so do support it if you can! Who knows, it might become a regular venue!
Find out more and book your place over on the BN events website.
It is a fabulous five acre garden set in delightful Derbyshire countryside. Immaculate lawns set off a variety of 'rooms' in the garden including Roman, Italian, Cornish and of course English garden themes. There are many very mature trees and shrubs that combine beautifully with some more recent plantings. There are many rare plants to be found. The plants provide colour throughout the year and the garden changes on a weekly basis.
The gardens also house a full size tennis court which can be used by visitors. There are ample lawns and benches to sit on or have a picnic. There is a swing attached to one of the trees, there is certainly something for everyone. The site is mainly flat and accessible. It is located less than a mile from the main A52 Derby – Ashbourne road.
Tea and Coffee will be available, as well as delicious home baked cakes!
Find out more and book your place.
2024 marks the 40th year of Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June), when British Naturism joins thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. It is also an opportunity to inspire more people to make a difference. So we hope to encourage you and others to get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for you.
Volunteers’ Week was first established in 1984 so this this year we’re excited to be celebrating the 40th anniversary. Volunteers’ Week was previously celebrated from the 1-7 June each year but from 2024 it’ll commence on the first Monday of June, which this year happens to be Monday 3 to Sunday 9 June.
This year Volunteers’ Week will culminate in The Big Help Out, from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June, where people across the UK will get the chance to experience a range of volunteer taster sessions. Within BN we are holding our own BIG Help Out at British Naturism: Sunfolk with Work Party volunteers helping to get the site ready for its re-opening later in June.
This year is also the 60th anniversary of British Naturism and to celebrate that we are running Challenge 60, with one of the diamond challenges being to volunteer with BN for 60 hours. There are other challenges too that involve volunteering, such as organising local events and celebrations.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering. So taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to recognise, celebrate and thank our incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our community, as well as the voluntary sector and society as a whole, has never been more important.
Volunteers' Week is a chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our 380 volunteers make in terms of their time; the energy, skills and knowledge they contribute; and the important roles they play in:
enabling the organisation to function and deliver its services; developing, enabling and supporting opportunities for people to practise a naturist lifestyle; promoting understanding and acceptance of the practice and benefits of naturism. Volunteers’ Week is about celebrating and thanking those who give up their time to make a difference. Whether you’re a volunteer yourself or someone who appreciates the work our volunteers do, here's how you can mark Volunteers Week.
Each day we will publish a separate post about some of our key volunteer roles, thanking those that are part of the team and telling you about any opportunities we have for similar roles. Look out for additional mentions of Volunteers’ Week in our news pages on the BN website, in the E-Zine and on our social media channels.
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more.
There are all kinds of volunteering roles and short term or micro volunteering assignments you could do.
To find out more about British Naturism’s volunteering programme see the volunteering pages on our website.
To register as a BN volunteer, or to register your interest in volunteering with British Naturism, visit our Volunteer Connect platform, which is part of the BN website (Members Area > Volunteering > My Volunteering Profile). Alternatively, use this direct link.
It will take you less than two minutes to create your own volunteering profile (perhaps a little longer if you want to add content to the text-free boxes). Once you have completed and saved this you are registered as a BN volunteer.
When you use our Volunteer Connect platform you will be able to access guidance on becoming a volunteer (if you are new to volunteering), view our volunteering opportunities and apply for them online, manage your own contact details, download guidance, read our latest volunteering news and share your views through the BN Forum. Over time, we’ll work to provide learning opportunities and lots of interesting things to read, watch and do. As a volunteer ‘organiser’ you will be able to identify and contact others interested in volunteering.
In the middle of Kent is a fabulous venue, Scotney Castle Gardens, and BN have booked it exclusively from 5.30pm on June 9th. If you’re riding the Brighton World Naked Bike Ride that day it’s only an hour away so you could make it a complete Naturist day.
So what is special about Scotney Castle Gardens? Where do I start? First of all it’s a place steeped in history with the origins going back to 1137. The main castle was built in the 14th century for defence reasons with Britain a little jittery about a French invasion. Much of the castle was deliberately dismantled in 1843 when a new manor house was built nearby. The dismantling wasn’t vandalism but an attempt to create a romantic picturesque scene. With the moat and it’s remaining architectural features it’s a photographers dream.
Apart from the views of the castle, the gardens are the star attraction. There’s a one-acre walled garden, roses, herbaceous borders, azaleas, rare green winged orchids and countless other exotic plants. In the grounds there is an old ice house - fridges weren’t too common in the 1500s!! You can also see a Victorian boat house. Make sure you take your camera up to the ‘new’ house to see the splendid views of the old castle down below.
The whole estate covers 780 acres of rolling parkland with much of it as woodland and including giant sequoia trees. For dog owners you are more than welcome with your pooch on a lead.
Scotney Castle Gardens is classified as a site of Special Scientific Interest. There is a herd of Longhorn and Sussex cattle as well as the National Trust’s only working hop farm.
It’s a lot to pack into an evening but well worth the effort. You can even order a picnic!
Find all the details including costs here
Image: Sskips
The Executive Committee welcomes nomination for certificates of merit from members. Certificates are usually awarded at the AGM, and in order to allow the EC to give proper consideration to nominations we're asking for these no later than 15 July.
Nominees don't have to be members - indeed certificates have in the past been awarded to people outside BN whose contribution has been considered exceptional. And the nominee could be a single person or a group, such as a club, couple, team or company.
Click here for the nomination form (log in required) - do read the guidance notes carefully. Please note that all nominations are confidential and should not be published on the forum or elsewhere.
Image: Mark Bass
Bigger events happening later in the year:
June 7-9 YBN Sports Weekend South.
June 7-10 Highland Walking Weekend
June 8 Alnwick Garden Visit
June 14-23 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping
June 17-23 Nudefest
June 22 Stirling jail lock in & dining
June 26-30 Montenegro Games without Borders
June 28-30 Weekend Getaway North Wales
July 9 Day visit to Steep Holm Island
July 12-14 Windermere Camping Break
July 13-14 Norton Lakes Weekend
July 13 River Forth Boat Trip
July 13 Bo’ness Motor Museum
July 19-21 YBN Sports Weekend North
July 27 Boat Trip around Farne Island.
July 27 Cardiff’s Naked Dine Cruise
July 29-4 Aug Summer Camp North Wales
Aug 4-11 New Quay Summer Camp
Aug 9-11 Loch Lomond Sports Weekend
Aug 9-11 International Petanque Tournament
Aug 15-19 Everybody Festival
Aug 31-7 Sept Magnolias Natura Group Holiday
Sept 6-15 Rosslyn Glamping & Camping Week
Sept 12-16 60th Jamboree
Oct 4-7 Sherwood Forest Cabin Share
Oct 25-27 INF Swim Gala, France
Nov 15-18 Luxury Spa Break Amsterdam
Nov 19-26 NatRam Walk, Fuerteventura
INF -FNI/EUNAT
Naked Dining
Naked Heart Walks
Sports Events
Swims & Waterparks
Walks & Hikes
The Big Quiz
May 31
A friendly quiz to test your knowledge, knowing the weight of a cow could be useful!
NI Online
WSC Swim
May 31
A swim in Chepstow plus sauna & steam room.
Monmouthshire
Club Naturel
May 31
A private pool with hot tub and sauna.
Norfolk
Watford Swim
May 31
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
May 31
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
Wild Water GBSD
June 1
Wild swimming in the River Ribble. NOT a BN event so not covered by BN insurance.
Lancashire
Skinny Dip Nottingham
June 1
GBSD synchronised skinny dip with donation to BHF.
Nottinghamshire
Little Brickhill / Woburn Walk
June 1
A circular 7 mile, early afternoon walk.
Bedfordshire
Lancashire Sun GBSD
June 1
Join us for the synchronised skinny dip.
Lancashire
Sunnybroom Swim
June 1
Swims are scheduled for the first Saturday of the month.
Aberdeenshire
TROC Monthly Swim & Gym
June 1
NEW date, only for this month.
Tyne & Wear
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
June 1
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
South Forest Swim Edwinstowe
June 1
Twice monthly early evening swim.
Nottinghamshire
Spectrum Swim
June 1
Not only swim & sauna but also refreshments, yoga, themed food evenings, gym etc. etc.!
West Midlands
Cambridge GBSD
June 1
Run by the Cambridge Outdoor Club with pool, clubhouse, kitchen, Boules court.
Cambridgeshire
Spielplatz GBSD
June 1
Opening their doors to guests and a great chance to visit one of the UK’s oldest clubs
Hertfordshire
Brockenhurst GBSD
June 1
A fun day at the Naturist Foundation with café, sauna, Miniten, Petanque, bar & more.
Kent
MSNC GBSD
June 1
Swim at Bury St Edmunds with sauna & steam room.
Suffolk
Slapton Sands
June 1
A GBSD beach day!
Devon
BN NW Petanque Event
June 2
Whether you play or just spectate, a fabulous day is in store with a village fete atmosphere.
Lancashire
Cardiff Coffee Group Meet Up
June 2
Join us for a drink, chat and enjoy arts & crafts for a laugh.
South Glamorgan
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 2
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
Forth Naturists at Haddington
June 2
Family friendly swim with pools, sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
Notts. Sun Club GBSD
June 2
Some overnight availability for tents, trailer tent, motor homes and a trailer tent for hire.
Nottinghamshire
Arundel Lido GBSD
June 2
A great skinny dip followed by a BBQ.
West Sussex
Plymouth Swim
June 3
Monthly Monday evening swim at Plympton Pool, lane swimming or just socialising.
Devon
Natram Walk New Forest
June 4
A 12 mile ramble around the New Forest, exploring heaths, glades & WW2 relics.
Hampshire
Beason Tarn Walk & Skinny Dip
June 4
A double event with Shap Lido, annual Naked Walk as part of the GBSD.
Cumbria
Shap Lido GBSD
June 4
Open air swimming at its best.
Cumbria
Bristol Swim
June 5
A GBSD Wednesday swim.
Bristol
Manchester Male Swim
June 6
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
Highland Walking Weekend
June 7 to 10
A walk to suit most abilities from strolls to multi-Munro epics, plus wild swimming.
Perthshire
Steeple Clayton Walk
June 7
A 7 to 8 mile circular walk through the Vale of Aylesbury.
Buckinghamshire
Club Naturel
June 7
A private pool with hot tub and sauna.
Norfolk
Manchester World Naked Bike Ride
June 7
Assemble in All Saints Park at 6 for a 7pm start.
Manchester
The Big Quiz
June 7
A friendly quiz to test your knowledge, knowing the weight of a cow could be useful!
NI Online
WSC Swim
June 7
A swim in Chepstow plus sauna & steam room.
Monmouthshire
Ladies Only Swim
June 7
Clothes optional in a private pool with hot tub and sauna.
Norfolk
Watford Swim
June 7
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
June 7
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
Bunkhouse Weekend in Wales
June 8 to 10
A Welsh cottage in the Cambrian Mountains, with kitchen & showers but no fridge.
Ceredigion
Breast Cancer Fundraising Walk
June 8
Clothes optional walk over part of the Cuckoo Trail for 6 miles.
East Sussex
Burrows Garden Visit
June 8
Book in advance for best prices.
Derbyshire
Wigton Swim
June 8
A GBSD 2 hour monthly swim at the Wigton Pool.
Cumbria
Sleaford Swim
June 8
Small pool, gym, squash courts, sauna & steam room.
Lincolnshire
Spectrum Swim
June 8
Not only a GBSD swim & sauna but also refreshments, yoga, themed food evenings, gym etc. etc.!
West Midlands
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
June 8
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
Alnwick Garden Visit
June 8
Wander around this lovely garden with its amazing water features.
Northumberland
Bircotes Swim
June 8
Swim, socialise in the sauna or play table tennis or badminton at this GBSD event.
Yorkshire
Yorks & E.Mids Walks
June 9
A 7.5-mile walk, undulating with 3 moderate hills, and stunning views of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Yorkshire
Rydale Club Swim
June 9
Fortnightly swim, 3 to 5, at Malton, with a 25m pool and sauna.
Yorkshire
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 9
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
Scotney Castle Gardens
June 9
Our third visit to these romantic gardens.
Kent
Northampton Swim
June 9
Two pools, sauna, steam room, plunge pool & Turkish hot rooms.
Northamptonshire
Withington Pool
June 9
A return visit to this beautiful Edwardian pool, complete with stained glass windows and sauna.
Manchester
Potteries Swim
June 9
Swim and relax in a friendly environment; over 18 only.
Staffordshire
BN / NatRam Walk
June 11
An 11 mile walk, shorter one available, on the chalk downs above Salisbury.
Wiltshire
Ladies GBSD & Spa Day
June 11
Enjoy the pool, hot tub and sauna with female masseur available.
Lancashire
Shaftesbury Lido Swim
June 11
Heated outdoor pool, refurbished with equipment upgraded.
Dorset
Visit to Houghton Lodge Gardens
June 12
Turn up and experience this delightful mixture of formal plantings & more natural settings.
Hampshire
Visit to the Dorothy Clive Gardens
June 12
Clothing optional evening visit, with refreshments available in the pavilion or bring your own.
Shropshire
Bristol Swim
June 12
Weekly swim at the Jubilee Pool
Bristol
INF Fun Sports & Social Weekend
June 13 – 16
Join other naturist from all over the world in this 52nd event.
Croatia
BN/Natram Walk
June 13
An 11 mile, or shorter, walk through gentle countryside, with a pub meal at the end.
Hampshire
Naked Dining & Skittles
June 13
Drive or train or even stay overnight, at the Mill Arms in Dunbridge.
Hampshire
Manchester Male Swim
June 13
Weekly swim for all men regardless of sexuality or difference, over 18 only if you can swim.
Manchester
Rosslyn Glamping & Camping
June 14 – 23
A clothing optional week, hire one of our huts or the boat or bring your own motorhome or tent.
Norfolk
Nettlebed Walk
June 14
A 7 mile circular walk through the west end of the Chilterns.
Oxfordshire
The Big Quiz
June 14
A friendly quiz to test your knowledge, knowing the weight of a cow could be useful!
NI Online
WSC Swim
June 14
A swim in Chepstow plus sauna & steam room.
Monmouthshire
Club Naturel Swim
June 14
A regular Friday swim in a private hire pool with hot tub and sauna
Norfolk
Watford Swim
June 14
Join us at our Friday night swim, open to all naturists, new or seasoned!
Hertfordshire
Naked Pub Night
June 14
Join us at our virtual bar to socialise with like-minded naturists
Irish Naturist Association Online
Petersfield Open Air Pool
June 14
GBSD event at this heated pool, with café and a BBQ.
Hampshire
GBSD Kerensa Cottage
June 15
A private pool & garden with collection for BHF.
Somerset
Sports Taster Day
June 15
Learn how to play Miniten & Boules plus enjoy all the great facilities at LSAS.
Merseyside
Sports Taster Day
June 15
Learn how to play Boules, have a few games & meet new friends at this well appointed club.
Yorkshire
MSNC Swim
June 15
A regular swim with sauna & steam room.
Suffolk
Spectrum Swim
June 15
Not only swim & sauna but also refreshments, yoga, themed food evenings, gym etc. etc.!
West Midlands
Leonardslee Gardens Walk
June 15
Naked Heart Walk raising funds for BHF. A buggy to the valley for those with accessibility issues.
West Sussex
Wirral Nats. Chester Swim
June 15
A family friendly swim with ample facilities and free parking.
Cheshire West & Chester
South Forest Swim
June 15
Family friendly GBSD swim with pool, flume, sauna & jacuzzi.
Nottinghamshire
Southampton Swim
June 15
Family friendly swim.
Hampshire
Peterborough Lido GBSD
June 15
A wonderful example of a 1930’s Lido with 3 heated pools, please pre-book.
Cambridgeshire
Studland Beach Day
June 16
Bring a picnic and enjoy the day on this fantastic beach.
Dorset
Nudie Dudie GBSD Swim
June 16
Please confirm attendance with the organiser.
South Glamorgan
Noah’s Ark Swim
June 16
Early evening swim and club offers a range of weekly activities.
Surrey
Forth Swim at Haddington
June 16
Family friendly swim with sauna, steam room, sports hall and refreshments.
East Lothian
South Wales Meet & Greet
June 16
Clothed event, meet for a chat & a pint or even a meal.
South Glamorgan
My thanks to David Smith for putting the list together...
Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash
The ideal candidate would be someone who lives close to Sunfolk, working with the Events Manager and Wardens.
Main Duties and responsibilities – cleanliness and upkeep of the buildings and associated camping accommodation.
This is a paid, part-time 6 month fixed-term contract with the opportunity for renewal.
Hours: 10 hours per week (max 15 hours a week)
If you have an interest in Naturism and enjoy working as part of a team, then this job could be for you.
Contact Tracey Major, General Secretary to find out more about this paid job opportunity or send your CV to:
general.secretary@bn.org.uk
Closing date for applications - Monday 10th June 2024
In each episode, we delve into insightful conversations, exploring various aspects of Naturism through the lens of womens' experiences. Whether you are a seasoned Naturist, new to the way of life or just intrigued, we aim to educate and inspire. We highlight the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of women in Naturism. Promoting body acceptance and self love, we explore how women across the planet have shed their clothes and freed up their minds, leading them toward a more fulfilling life in all areas; one that no longer keeps them restricted - emotionally, mentally, physically, and in all other ways.
This month, Helen interviews Steph McManus, a nurse from New Zealand and body freedom advocate. After a nude photoshoot, which Steph did in an effort to confront her own body image in the wake of an eating disorder, she discovered what it meant to her to be without clothes. It transformed her life and she describes nudity as her medicine, and she now wants to bring her revelations to as many people as she can. Careful with the language she uses, Steph says nudity can be a 'healing tool', and avoids refering to any label that she feels could alienate the very people that it will help the most.
The BN Women in Focus podcast will be available on Saturday 1 June on the following platforms:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6HtAQzJKLzJenc3Jjm9W3O
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/d0d17b7b-51c3-4caa-b890-9c8355289c9f/women-in-focus
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in-focus/id1717263257
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Y4MelgLcBpA89zbKw7m_UW3xT4_1WZ6
As always, it’s chock-full of news, information, listings and fully illustrated features and articles.
Contents include:
All the events you can look forward to and a round-up of everything that’s been happening – including the fantastic BN National Swim Gala BN’s 60th: How it all began, what we’ve achieved, and birthday greetings from around the world! #TheNakedTruth: the opportunities and challenges of social media Why don’t all Naturists join BN? A new campaign Women in Naturism – and a report on the Ladies-Only holiday in Fuerteventura Certificates of Merit 2024: Who’s your hero? Sports Round-up: All the latest on BN’s sports activities In travel, we talk Thailand, Southern Europe, Mexico…and lots more. BN240 will soon be landing on the doormats of members of British Naturism who can also download a digital version. There's even a topic open for you to share your views with other members (log in required).
GBSD/NHW team leader Ron O’Hare came up with the fantastic idea for the ‘Great British Synchronised Skinny Dip’ (GBSSD) - a single day when a number of venues will host individual dips, with our being able to report a HUGE (we hope) aggregate number of costume-free swimmers. This year’s GBSSD takes place this Saturday, 1 June and here are the venues participating, with links to more information.
Dive in!
Sunnybroom Swim
Aberdeenshire
TROC Monthly Swim & Gym
Tyne & Wear
Wild Water GBSD
Wild swimming in the River Ribble.
Lancashire
Lancashire Sun GBSD
Lancashire
Wirral Nats
Chester
Nottingham Sun Club
Nottinghamshire
South Forest Swim Edwinstowe
Nottinghamshire
Spectrum Swim
West Midlands
Cambridge GBSD
Cambridgeshire
MSNC GBSD
Suffolk
Spielplatz GBSD
Hertfordshire
Brockenhurst GBSD
Kent
Slapton Sands
Devon
Welcoming local and visiting Naturists and those wanting to try skinny dipping for the first time, the 29C water provides a warm swim, whatever the weather is doing. As the Lido website says, 'For those who may not have considered this type of swim before, there are many benefits to it. Not only can it help to improve self-esteem but it also gives you a sense of freedom, makes you feel closer to nature and allows your skin to breathe.' We couldn't put it better ourselves!
The naked swims take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings, between season opening on May 25th and season close which is usually in the first week of September, but may be later according to weather and other factors.
The first skinny dip of the year takes place tomorrow, 28 May. Free hot and cold drinks are available poolside.
Booking online via the Lido website (where you will also find more information, times, prices etc.) is strongly advised, but people can take a chance and turn up on the day and if there are places available, they can pay on entry.
