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The Forum Live - interviewing Domaine de Bélézy

Next Monday, 15 May, it will be my pleasure to talk to Debby Boeynaems from one of France's most popular Naturist holiday resorts, Domain de Bélézy and find out all about the campsite and what holidaymakers can expect.
Belezy is in the heart of Provence and at the foot of the Mont Ventoux and Lubéron, in an exceptional setting with 25 hectares of grounds surrounding an 18th century Provençal Mas.
It is a Naturist village devoted to respectful and family-oriented Naturism. Self-respect and respect of other people and the environment are values that have been upheld for over 50 years. 
At the heart of Bélézy, two swimming pools and the newly constructed waterplayground offer cool, relaxing and fun nude swimming. From the swimming pool area, you can enjoy a panoramic view on Mont Ventoux.


Join the session on the night from the BN shop
 
Photo: Belezy/Celine Hamelin

Think of the children! Experiencing family nudity in childhood nurtures mental wellbeing into adulthood

A striking new study by Professor Keon West reveals that, starting from an early age, spending time naked has positive effects on our mental health that stay with us throughout our lives.
The British Naturism poll conducted by Ipsos in 2022 showed that nudity among adults is both popular and widely accepted.  Over a third of adults have participated in nude recreation such as skinny dipping or sunbathing without a costume and over a fifth have spent time naked in the company of non-family members or partners in the last year alone.  Studies have shown that spending just 45 minutes in a nude social setting increases appreciation for one’s own body and reduces social anxiety, while adult participation in clothes-free activities over a number of years increases long-term positive body image, self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Despite this widespread enthusiasm for adult nudity, some people fear that simple nudity might be harmful to children.  Without evidence to the contrary, there can be a natural instinct to attempt to shield our children from perceived harm.  However, this fear-based approach can now be challenged by new research.
Funded by British Naturism and the International Naturist Federation, Professor West of Goldsmiths, University of London has investigated how nudity within the family during childhood affects mental health both at the time and in later life.  The studies published on behalf of the National Children’s Bureau in the psychology journal, Children & Society, comprise two, large-sample size analyses. Participants were recruited through a platform used for a wide range of psychological studies, thus avoiding pre-existing bias in selection of those surveyed.
In the first study, self-esteem and mental wellbeing of adults were compared with their recalled experiences of nudity during childhood.  The sample included equal numbers of men and women, and the average age was 30 years old.  Additional questions covered other topics to mask the purpose of the survey and avoid respondents giving answers they thought they were supposed to.  The study finds that participation in nude activities and a positive family attitude towards nudity during childhood predicted an improvement in body image and self-esteem.  Through the effects on body image and self-esteem, regular nudity during childhood also led to an overall improvement in mental health as an adult.
The second study confirmed that nudity is harmless, even during the childhood years.  Children of 7-17 years old (average age 15) were surveyed for their self-esteem and mental wellbeing, while their mothers were independently surveyed for the frequency with which the child encountered nudity and the attitudes to nudity within the family.  The children only knew that they were completing a survey about their views and were unaware of the questions being answered by their parents, thus ensuring that answers were not distorted by embarrassment.  The study reveals that concerns about negative effects of nudity on the wellbeing of children are misplaced.  No negative impact of nudity on mental wellbeing among the children was detected, indeed, there are indications of a possible positive effect on body image.
Together, these studies reveal some crucial findings:
1)    Adults who grew up in families with a positive attitude to nudity have better body image, better self-esteem, and better overall mental health.
2)    There were indications that children living in a family environment where nudity is commonplace may have a better body image.
3)    There was no evidence of an association between nudity in childhood and negative outcomes.
These findings matter.  Society is suffering a mental health crisis where 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem every year and incidents of self-harming have tripled over a 15-year period.  Poor body image is one of the major contributing factors, especially among young people.  Kane, 20, tells us:
“Mental health and body image are always going to be inextricably linked and will influence each other.  I have faced problems with my body image due a variety of reasons, most namely dysphoria and my body not feeling like my own.  When my mental health started to decline, I developed an eating disorder and began self-harming in an attempt to feel ownership over my body.  This of course did not help my body image/ self-esteem, and that in turn did not help my mental health, leading to a downwards cycle where both declined.”
Naturism is not an instant solution to all mental health issues, but the new study shows us that a healthy approach to nudity during our childhood provides a measurable step in the right direction.  The study challenges those with negative assumptions about Naturism to reconsider their views and that isolating children from nudity may be against the child’s best interests.  As Professor West eloquently summarises:
“Given the consistent and growing body of evidence that participation in Naturism leads to
positive outcomes, we should consider the potential harm caused by denying certain people
(including younger people) access to these activities.”
Mark Bass
President of British Naturism

Keon West (2023) Think of the children!: Relationships between nudity-related experiences in childhood, body image, self-esteem and adjustment, Children & Society, https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12743
 

Sunfolk crowdfunding - making progress

Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to our crowdfunding campaign for a hot tub and sauna at British Naturism: Sunfolk - we're over 10% of the way to our target already!
Find out more about the campaign, including how you can contribute, here. It ends on 30th May, so don't delay. Help us to help everyone to get the best for Naturism. There are unique rewards available.
And information about British Naturism: Sunfolk here

Reminder to sign up - Naked Heart Walk at Powderham Castle - 20 May!

We've been selling tickets like hot cakes - and can't wait to meet you all for the BN/BHF Naked Heart Walk at Powderham Castle near Exeter on Saturday 20th May.
The owner of the venue is just as excited as we are. Charlie Courtenay, The Earl of Devon, said: “We are proud to play host to the British Naturism Naked Heart Walk at Powderham in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The ancient shaded paths and tracks of the Georgian Woodland Garden provide a secluded and yet spectacular route in support of this worthy cause. It is a particular pleasure to welcome such a diverse group of participants and to provide them with a safe space to strengthen hearts and get closer to nature.”
What are Naked Heart Walks?
This year, thousands of people across the UK will strip off their clothes and stroll around the grounds of gorgeous gardens, stately homes and castles to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). 
They’ll be taking part in British Naturism’s Naked Heart Walks, experiencing the exhilaration of being nude in the great outdoors, boosting their mental and physical health, reducing their stress - and having a lot of fun.
To make the decision to participate in a Naked Heart Walk even easier, 2023’s walks will be clothing-optional, though we’re sure some clothed walkers will be stripped off by the end.
Find details of all Naked Heart Walks
An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves. I’m delighted to see the number of our Naked Heart Walks more than double this year and would encourage anyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
Ben Bishop, BHF Fundraising Manager, said: 
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new? It is an opportunity to free yourself from everyday constraints while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and stunning locations where these walks are being held. Whether you dare to bare or keep your clothes on you can take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
 
Media attendance at the walks is possible, with advance notice.
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138
nakedheartwalk.org.uk 
bn.org.uk
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater slaterw@bhf.org.uk 07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk
 

Ladies spa day at Lancashire Sun

Lancashire Sun Club, near Rufford, are pleased to announce a Ladies Spa Day which includes a Great British Skinny Dip.
Guests will enjoy the use of the swimming pool hot tub, sauna and extensive lawns for sunbathing with sunbeds provided. Massage can also be booked in advance. 
There will be free tea and coffee all day - and sandwiches and cake available at 3.30 pm for a small extra charge
Admission is just £12 for the day starting at 1pm till late. Please note that bookings must be made in advance, for planning purposes.
The club would particularly welcome ladies new to Naturism - this could be the perfect opportunity to give it a try!
Find more info and all the details here - including a drone video of the club!

The Forum Live Debate: We Know What You’re Doing This Summer

This coming Monday (8th May), Coronation day, we thought we would use the Forum Live session for a light-hearted discussion about our individual plans for the year ahead.  With the weather now improving, many of us will have Naturist plans over the summer and hearing those may inspire people looking for options to try something new.  We can also brainstorm ideas that we are not planning, but might like trying that, in turn, might lead to new opportunities in the future.
This session will be more chatty than many of our debates, and feels a good way to wrap up a chilled bank holiday weekend. 
See you there. You can join the session on the night over in the BN shop
 
Photo by Derick McKinney on Unsplash

You are not alone - preparing for your first Naturist event

The proven effects of social nudity on mental health stem partly from the freedom found by shedding our clothes, but also from the sense of friendship found in the Naturist community.
As we move towards the summer season there are many opportunities to attend events and activities, practise Naturism with the wider community, and find new friends. However, we know that attending a first event can be a daunting prospect for many and it is often lamented that a crowd can be the loneliest place in the world if you don’t manage to connect with people.
At a Forum Live session last year we asked members to share their top tips on how to make friends and be part of an event and this is what they came up with:
 
If you have never attended a Naturist event before, uncertainty about etiquette such as “do I require a towel”, “how do people greet each other”, or “are there discussion topics to avoid” can make you very anxious. These things are frequently discussed in the BN members’ area/forum on the website and it is worth looking for some of those threads in advance, so you are confident that you are not going to get caught out.  
Similarly, not knowing what will be happening can make you anxious. Most events will have a programme of activities. You don’t need to learn it as things are announced at the time but looking over it in advance will give you confidence.  
Naturists are very sociable, but if you always sit in the same place, the number of people you encounter is limited. Plan to change your seat at different sessions, you will make many more connections.  
Sit in the middle of the room; if you sit in the corner, people may think you don’t want to be disturbed and leave you alone!  
Attend the whole event. It is tempting to think of just going for a short while to see how it goes, but once an event is up and running it is much harder to integrate. You will have a much better experience by committing to the whole event.  
Check the schedule for opportunities for newcomers. Some events will have a Meet and Greet or a gathering point for newcomers, which provide great opportunities to connect with others in the same situation.  
Most events will have a forum thread in the build-up. Put a post on that thread - saying hello and that you’re new will make connections in advance and let people know that you would appreciate some interaction once there. You won’t be the only person going on your own and hoping to make friends; signalling that in advance breaks the ice.  
Hopefully these tips will help you to make friends and have a great time. We will see you there soon!
  

2023 Swim Gala Goes….Swimmingly!

Another year, another trip to the British Naturism Swim Gala! While my partner Dave competed and mingled with other swimmers,  I spent the evening cheering him on and having some interesting chats. 
This was our second gala, and it was every bit as welcoming and fun as last year’s. The pool area was full of naked people of all ages – single people, couples and families. There was the same enthusiasm for the racers, the same loud clapping and cheering for those who came last. 
This year saw some organisational changes. While the 2022 gala was well-organised, this year everything ran “like clockwork so there was no waiting around,” said BN President Mark Bass.  And that’s with having to manage a crowd of 97 people, larger than last year! 
Another great change was the new participation medals. According to Event Manager Mark Walsh, they’re made in the UK from sustainable oak and are carbon neutral. “This was important to me as the gala is about the have-a-go heroes, people challenging themselves and just having fun. This medal rewards everyone, not just the winners.”
BN Sports Officer Ian Munt was “kept on my toes all evening with the timing.” There were some close races and “we definitely had a competition going on.”
And the swimmers weren’t the only heroes! “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Events Team and other volunteers,” said Bass of the 18-strong team.
Bass praised “the balance that has been reached in the gala. People can compete and get their times, but the emphasis is on participation and having fun.”  Sports is a core part of Naturism, and it’s great news that so many people took part and are now eligible for Naturist Team GB at the international Gala later this year, Walsh added.
P.S.: Dave won two golds!
 

Naked, Alone and Racing to Get Home

It is probably a reflection of the current mood of the country, looking for a brighter future, that has led to the recent proliferation of everyday nudity on our televisions.  On Channel 4, “Naked, Alone and Racing To Get Home” presents a physical, survival challenge where teams without food or clothing compete to race across the countryside, while “Naked Education” considers health and body image issues that we all face.
“Naked, Alone and Racing To Get Home” presents physical endurance in an entertainment format while carrying some serious underlying messages about teamwork and mental strength.  One question we are receiving quite commonly at British Naturism is from people asking whether they are allowed to be naked in the countryside in the UK.  Some of the allusions in the show to the risk of being arrested suggests not, but the show is entertainment, and implying risk makes better programming.  “Naked, with a production team and waiting around to complete a mic check” would not have sold nearly as well!  The existence of the series shows nudity to be lawful as I’m sure it is self-evident that Channel 4 would not have offered cash incentives for people to break the law and then broadcast it, any more than they would sit and film somebody die of hypothermia as a result of the channel’s actions.
The reality is that we have the freedom to be naked as long as we are not adversely affecting others.  We all have a body so criminalising humanity would make no sense at all.  There is a common misconception that we must be dressed outdoors, but British Naturism’s work with the College of Policing among other bodies makes it clear that we don’t, as long as we are not trying to cause upset.  The show reveals that, despite the sensationalist voice overs and nerves of the contestants, the participants’ encounters with the public were entirely positive, and that the worries are mostly in our own minds.  It is even more encouraging to hear how the contestants talk about the freedom of being naked in the wilderness.  Even though the challenge is more extreme that recreational walking due to the lack of food, the teams still feel the elation of reconnecting with nature.
Their experience is very similar to that of the many naked hiking groups in the UK.  When the weather is not too cool, you will find naked hikes most weekends and throughout the week across the UK.  Some organised walks are listed in our events calendar, many more are planned and discussed in the walking section of our members’ forum.

BN announces new Clubs Officer

It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Nick Mayhew-Smith to the EC as Clubs Officer.
Nick was one of the authors of Bare Beaches and Bare Britain and has written many articles about Naturism for both Naturist and non-Naturist periodicals over many years.  He is a keen historian who knows the legacy of Naturism and British Naturism, a feature that is very valuable in the Clubs Officer role.  Nick designed the first British Naturism website and is the person behind the “Nothing’s Better” slogan.  He is a forum regular, and all forum users will be aware of the depth of thought that goes into his posting.  He is a keen advocate of community building, a skill that has been evident in all of his contributions to the organisation thus far and will be crucial in the new role.  By profession Nick is a journalist and academic, meaning that his longstanding passion for Naturism is matched by professional experience.
Nick is a committed and recognised member of the White House Club in Surrey, one of the thriving clubs that form the bedrock of UK Naturism.  However, Nick is also a champion of free-range Naturism including hiking and skinny dipping in both the UK and abroad.  This blend of views is rare and likely to be invaluable as he knows the challenges that clubs need to handle to be safe and viable, but also knows the value of looking outward and avoiding isolationism.
Clubs Officer is an EC role that was created as recently as 2021, when it was considered that engagement and support of clubs was essential to the ongoing success of UK Naturism.  Historically, British Naturism (formerly CCBN) was an association of clubs and although membership has evolved over the decades to emphasise the importance of individual, clubs remain a cornerstone of the organisation.  Many of our members are also members of clubs and clubs provide a particularly safe space for those timid about trying Naturism. They have a tremendous amount of resource, both in terms of physical assets and expertise of members.  They also present challenges, as their autonomy means that British Naturism does not control their decision making.  This is a good thing as it means that decisions about Naturism do not rest with the EC alone and protect the concept of Naturism being a community where all our views matter.  The challenges before Nick are to achieve positive integration across clubs so the clubs thrive, and individual members get the opportunities they seek.  This is no small task, but we are confident in Nick’s ability to tackle it.
I’m sure Nick will share his own thoughts in due course, but for now, let us welcome him.

The Forum Live debate - A Strategic Approach to Arranging Small, Local Gatherings

Although British Naturism as an organisation does a lot of work to promote Naturism and organises many events centrally or through the Regions, every member has the opportunity to create their own activity.  Many members are motivated to organise small gatherings; a question is how do we make best use of those as a community and how do individuals avoid risk when doing so?
In March we used The Forum Live Debate to identify both benefits and risks associated with member-led gatherings.  We concluded that because this is such an important topic, we wouldn’t rush to create one or two action points in that session, and instead use a follow-up session to consider the list and actions that individuals could take to achieve the best outcome.

On Monday 24th April, at 19:30 we will have part two of that discussion and try to identify some action points.  This session is open to all members, whether you want to share thoughts or just listen, and can be accessed through the British Naturism Shop

So that people can start to think about the topic, the lists of the identified opportunities and risks have been posted on the forum for consideration (log in required)

Not a Member? You're missing out!

There's loads of reasons to be a member of BN and here's a reminder of the benefits you get for less than £4.50 a month! 
Check out goodtimes.bn.org.uk for an overview of all our work and then make the great decision to come and join us! 
Easy access to information, advice, downloads and useful guides that will help you to practice Naturism Four issues of our full colour, information-packed magazine with news and views from the UK and overseas, delivered to your door and available to download and read online Access to the BN Members’ Online Community Free entry to many online events and access to discount packages for others 25% off the ticket price of live events - some also exclusive to members 15% off all prices in the BN Shop The BN Holiday advice service A photo ID/membership card – proven to be useful in establishing your credentials with Authority figures, if ever your Naturist activities are challenged. It is also an International Naturist Federation (INF) card – essential for access to some overseas Naturist places, and discounts in others Be part of a vibrant community with and connect with like-minded people Knowing that you are helping to support the practise of Naturism, and the work of British Naturism, so that it continues to thrive  

A Naked Walk in Copenhagen

Torben Larsen, chairman of Danish Naturist federation, Danske Naturister (and BN member) is looking for people to join his project. He says:
Realising that former attempts to normalise public nudity here have failed, I plan an event for the coming summer (July or August) - a naked walk through the main street of Copenhagen. The difference between this walk and events like the World Naked Bike Ride is that the walk serves nudity itself, not pollution or climate changes. The walk requires about 20 participants, and some portable signs informing the spectators about the purpose of the walk, which is not to provoke for the sake of it, but to campaign for the right to practice natural, non-sexual nudity in public.
Would any members of BN find the cause important and the walk tempting? I would love to hear from you on tal@naturister.dk. If we manage to recruit a considerable amount of participants from UK, we might consider organising mutual transportation offering some kind of discount on the travelling expenses.
Thanks Torben - we look forward to hearing how you get on!
 
Picture by Ava Coploff from Unsplash
 

Trouble in Tallahassee

John Little writes...
Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and its student population of over 70,000, makes it officially a “college town “. When the head of Tallahassee Classical School resigned, Tallahassee made the headlines all over the World.
As a “Hillsdale College curriculum school”, it is required to teach Renaissance art in the sixth grade. It would be difficult to do the subject justice without reference to Michelangelo, one of the Renaissance's greatest artists, and his famous statue of David.
But when the time came, three parents made complaints to the school, one of them claiming that the school had been showing their child pornographic images. Fearful of litigation and on advice from the school's employment lawyer, the Chair of the school board called the Principal, Hope Carrasquilla, into his office and told her to either resign or be sacked.
Reading a rather full account in the Washington Post, it seems there is also a significant political angle to the story. However, by far the majority of the parents at the school were as shocked by the resignation news as most people around the World. They complained about the lack of communication from the school and frequent teacher turnover.
Talking about her resignation, Carrasquilla said she was not given a reason but believed the lesson on the Michelangelo statue played a role in what happened. This was later confirmed by Chair of the board, Barney Bishop, who told reporters that he had given Carrasquilla an ultimatum following complaints from three parents who believed the material on “David” was “controversial” and not age-appropriate for their children.
The school board has now introduced a rule that requires parents to be notified two weeks in advance of any proposed subject that is “potentially controversial,” Parents will be able to review the planned curriculum and the photos that go with it, and a reminder notice will go out one week in advance.
Bishop said he does not think “David” is controversial, noting that he studied Renaissance art in Italy 50 years ago. He added that while 97 percent of the parents had no problem with the art class, he emphasised that parents’ rights and concerns on what their children are being taught trump whatever he thinks about the lesson.
There have been arguments nationwide about what children should be taught about race, racism, gender and sexual orientation and the rights of transgender students as well as the appropriateness of books available in school libraries and classrooms. 25 states have passed 64 laws about what children should learn and do at school and Florida has passed more than its share.
As Kent Brockman from the Simpsons asked, “Is it a masterpiece or just some guy with his pants down?”
Edwin Kilby, BN's International Director, added:
Many people, not just Naturists, will be astonished at the apparent sexualisation of a piece of classical art, widely seen as one of Michelangelo’s greatest works, simply because the subject is naked.  
 
And, according to a report in Associated Press, the museum in Florence that houses the David statue invited parents and students from the Florida school to come and see it for themselves.  Florence Mayor Dario Nardella also tweeted an invitation for the principal to visit so he can personally honour her. Confusing art with pornography was “ridiculous,” Nardella said.
 
Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia, where David resides, expressed astonishment at the controversy.
“To think that David could be pornographic means truly not understanding the contents of the Bible, not understanding Western culture and not understanding Renaissance art,” Hollberg said in a telephone interview.
 

Photo by Alex Ghizila on Unsplash
 

The Forum Live: World Naked Hiking Day!

Join us next Monday evening (17 April) at 19:30 as we talk about World Naked Hiking Day. It takes place on 21st June and BN is planning to make the most of it!
There's been a huge increase in naked walking over recent years with people (partly) inspired by the work done by British Naturism in clarifying the legal position. Many group walks take place each year and we've appointed walking coordinators to encourage more in some of our regions. Even The Times participated last summer!
I'll be introducing a panel of avid naked walkers including some of those coordinators and we'll chat about all aspects of naked walking, including the legality of it and find out what activities are planned for World Naked Hiking Day! We hope to inspire you to join in!
Join the session on the night over in the BN shop
 
Picture by Mark Berry - at Nudefest 2022

INF Focus

British Naturism is the UK member of the International Naturist Federation, the global organisation for Naturists that exists to represent, support and coordinate Naturist activity worldwide. If you are a BN member, you are automatically a member of the INF! You can find out more at inf-fni.com. 
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 issue is out now and available via the INF website here - https://downloads.inf-fni.org/download/345/2023/2389/ff-april-23-eng.pdf.
Enjoy!

Press Release: Have you the Heart to go Naked?

This year, thousands of people across the UK will strip off their clothes and stroll around the grounds of gorgeous gardens, stately homes and castles to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
They’ll be taking part in British Naturism’s Naked Heart Walks, experiencing the exhilaration of being nude in the great outdoors, boosting their mental and physical health, reducing their stress - and having a lot of fun.
To make the decision to participate in a Naked Heart Walk even easier, 2023’s walks will be clothing-optional, though we’re sure some clothed walkers will be stripped off by the end.
An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
 
Find details of all Naked Heart Walks
 
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves. I’m delighted to see the number of our Naked Heart Walks more than double this year and would encourage anyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
 
Ben Bishop, BHF Fundraising Manager, said:
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new? It is an opportunity to free yourself from everyday constraints while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and stunning locations where these walks are being held. Whether you dare to bare or keep your clothes on you can take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”
 
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
Media attendance at the walks is possible, with advance notice.
 
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138
nakedheartwalk.org.uk
bn.org.uk
 
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater slaterw@bhf.org.uk 07818 510 100
bhf.org.uk

Make a Splash for Sunfolk...

We’re making great progress with our long-term redevelopment plans for at Sunfolk, and although the site will remain closed for the 2023 season, we’re confident that it will be worth the wait
We’re very grateful to everyone who has already supported the redevelopment in many different ways, offering their time, ideas and expertise, or by participating in the development loan scheme
However, we know that there are many members and supporters who are still keen to help out with the project, by making a contribution towards two of the biggest items we will need to buy for the site – the new hot tub and sauna, both of which will sit on a new raised decking area next to the swimming pool
With this in mind, we are excited to launch a crowdfunding campaign today to help members and supporters to ‘splash out’ and contribute towards the cost of these items
We’ve teamed up with ‘Crowdfunder’ a leading online platform for crowdfunding campaigns, to provide an easy and convenient way for members and supporters to make a contribution of any size towards the £40,000 cost to supply and install these items
Donations of any size will be most appreciated, but if you are able to donate more that £50, we will be happy to recognise your contribution with a range of exciting rewards – ranging from Sunfolk branded badges and towels, through a hosted and catered barbeque for you and 50 of your friends!
Find all the details here  – the campaign will run for the next eight weeks and will make a huge difference to the experience that we can offer our guests when we re-open in 2024.
 
Photo by gaspar zaldo on Unsplash

Naked, Alone, and Racing to Get Home returns to E4!

Following a successful pilot episode – for which some help from British Naturism was given - the survival competition series 'Naked, Alone, and Racing to Get Home' is back on E4 for a full series! It starts today at 9pm and a full box set will be available on All 4. Channel 4 are having a bit of a nude week, it seems...
Over the course of six episodes, two pairs of amateur survivalists per episode will “venture through Britain’s harshest wilderness with only a map to guide them,” says the production team. Stark naked, they’ll face bone-shakingly cold temperatures and icy swims – and, even worse, no phones or food – to try to claim the £5K prize. Along the way, they’ll overcome insecurities “whilst embracing their bodies in their most natural state.”
Look out for Terry from Bath (pictured, in a still from the show), a BN member seeking to end the stigma about nudity.

Fig Leaf Villas - opening again!

Fig Leaf Villas was founded in 2008 by Brits (and BN members) Quee and her then husband Cliff.  The area of Messini in the Peloponnese was chosen for the rich wealth of beaches, beautiful nature and easily accessed famous ancient sites, such as Olympia and Ancient Messini.  The exact location was chosen for its very gorgeous view of the sea and the Taygetos Mountains beyond, and for its rural setting that also allows easy access to all the best tavernas, beaches and places to go.
A swimming pool was added in 2009, plus a pool bar and a petanque piste. The villas soon became popular particularly with British and Dutch guests, though there have been guests from many parts of the world.
Fig Leaf Villas is known for being very peaceful and laid-back, in a stunning situation with views, and yet a cheery time can be enjoyed with other guests around the bar as well. To maintain this atmosphere, the villas are reserved for adults over the age of 16.
In 2017 Quee and Cliff went their separate ways and the villas are now run by Quee.
Under her guidance the villas and the grounds have been lovingly improved and cared for, and the many returning guests always enjoy seeing these changes.
Then came the Covid years of 2020 and 2021 which were particularly hard for all holiday resorts. Mainly as a result of this, at the beginning of 2022 Quee decided to semi-retire and only open to past guests. Thus she closed her website and removed the villas from the internet where possible.
However, this winter has been spent upgrading the basement apartment which is now going to be offered for rental.  A wonderful yoga shala (gazebo) has also been added and Fig Leaf Villas will re-open to the general public with the choice of three self-catering villas. One is a detached house and the other two are apartments. The house and the smaller apartment sleep two and the large basement apartment sleeps up to four.
Quee will also be offering back massages and Indian head massage this summer, and, when time permits, her very popular meze meals. 
She is delighted to have the chance to welcome many of you back, and to meet those of you who haven't visited before. Find more information at figleafvillas.net

Get Set for Summer...

...and beat the price rise!
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to be naked, but the BN Shop is here to help you show your support for Naturism for those times when clothes are required.
Our suppliers often talk to us about the irony of making clothes for Naturists, but the fact is that our range of t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are a great way to let others know about your membership of BN with some subtle (and not so subtle!) messages about Naturism.
But you’ll be glad to know that the BN Shop is not all about clothing!
We also offer products featuring the same colours and designs for use throughout your home – from our popular ‘Naturists may be seen beyond this point’ doormats to our reliable ‘Nothing’s better’ ceramic mugs.
With the weather warming up, and with beach days and skinny dips approaching, you might also want to check out our range of beach towels or invest in our best selling item, the ‘You can leave your hat on’ baseball cap – perfect for keeping the sun out of your eyes!
You can order all of our products online for home delivery, and we’ll also have products available for purchase at Nudefest and our other large national events.
We’ve worked really hard over the last year to maintain our product and shipping prices, but we’re now having to look again at our prices to reflect some of the cost increases that our suppliers have passed onto us. As such, we’ll be reviewing our prices which might result in some price increases from the start of May.
Why not grab a bargain now! Remember that BN members get a 15% discount!

Naked Education - new series starts tonight on Channel 4

The new educational television series, “Naked Education” debuts on Channel 4 this evening. This prime time, pre-watershed programme pushes people to confront their bodies.  We all have one, most of us are unhappy with it, but once you look past the social media filters you see enormous diversity in people’s bodies and that none of us are worthless. The programme also pushes people to embrace their own nudity, let go of their hang ups and discover the joy of just being alive.
Those who practise Naturism can already tell you the peace and self-respect that can be found in being naked and the mental health benefits of nudity have been proven in many studies.  We hope that this program will spur people to give it a go, whether that be spending time naked in their home, going skinning dipping or even going to a nude event.
It goes without saying that British Naturism have supported the production company, Betty TV, throughout.  We have been able to share our experience and advice, provide locations for some of the activities, and many of those featured in the series are members of British Naturism.
If the idea of nudity makes you curious but nervous, watch the show. You will probably find that your nerves go away and that you decide to reclaim your own body. We only get one, don’t see it go to waste.
The series debuts on Channel 4 at 20:00, Tuesday 4th April and will be available on All 4 after that.  The trailer can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgXHzg0AMUI

New Naked Heart Walk announced! Fonthill Estate, Wiltshire

We're delighted to announce yet another Naked Heart Walk in conjunction with British Heart Foundation!
This one takes place at the home of Lord Margadale, at Fonthill, near Chicklade in Wiltshire on Saturday 15 July.
It also provides a bigger challenge than other Naked Heart Walks with a 7km walk, though a shorter walk will be available.
Lord Margadale said:
‘The British Heart Foundation is a wonderful charity doing amazing things to help fund research into heart disease and we are proud to be hosting what promises to be an amazing fundraising event in our beautiful countryside.’ 
Find out more and book your place now!
Find out more about Naked Heart Walks and sign up for other walks taking place around the country

Have you booked for Nudefest?

Come and join the hundreds of people who already have! It's our flagship summer event; a week of camping, daytime activities and night time entertainment plus the company of like-minded people. 
Created in 2007, the festival has grown massively over the years from a small (ish) event catering for enthusiasts to the kind of festival that everyone wants to go to!
It takes place in Somerset from the 3rd to the 9th of July - see you there!
Find out more and book your place!

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