The first Naked Heart Walk was perhaps a bigger enterprise than my small team had expected, but we and Hannah from British Heart Foundation (BHF) achieved an astounding success. For 2022 we wanted something nearer home, that would allow us an afternoon event – many had travelled quite long distances last year – and would provide a way to get everyone together after the main event. Hole Park, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Weald (along with Scotney Castle that we visited in July), fitted the bill perfectly.
I had been to Hole Park a few times over the last twenty years and I when I was there I always wished to be naked, but I wrote without any expectations. Surprisingly they were very receptive expressing the idea of inclusion no matter our beliefs. I just discovered that this is a fundamental value of the Historic Houses Association, of which Hole Park is a member and its owner the Chairman.
That many of their cafe staff are under 18’s and would require parental consent to be exposed to naked visitors was not a barrier – there just would be no staff on the day and we were left to our own devices.
I was delighted when we were given a dedicated car park and so able to leave our clothes in our cars, saving us managing a bag drop and changing area. Catering could also be provided and it seemed entirely in keeping that we had afternoon tea.
Thirty one people bought tickets and raised over £4,500. Kent BHF sent us a raffle prize, so at a couple of days notice two members of the team amassed another dozen prizes and made over £100.
Luckily the sun came out as the walk was formally started as our wet weather plan would probably have been to squeeze into the historic ice house in the woods. This is a listed 18th century building just 11 feet in diameter! Ice scraped from the ponds a few yards away would last many months if packed well.
The 2 km walk passed by sights such as a tree trunk carved with climbing bears and a towering Wellingtonia. There are many ancient trees in the grounds, to be seen on the Woodland Trusts Ancient Tree Inventory, including a tree I had not heard of – the bird cherry - which is relatively rare in southern England. It was thought to ward off the plague and the black berries were used to dye wool and the bark to colour fishing nets.
The abiding image of the day was of thirty naked people enjoying scones and cream in the picturesque Vinery and from the comments we know this was the highlight.
Last year I said never again. This year I am looking forward to finding somewhere new to do it all over again. Thanks to all who volunteered and to the BHF and Hole Park for making it possible.
