News and Articles

Collaborating to Advance International Naturism

Collaborating to Advance International Naturism

Over the past four months, an international letter-writing campaign has been underway to press for the recognition of a new Naturist beach in Tampa Bay, Florida. Laws in the United States are generally less permissive than those in the UK, meaning that official recognition of clothing-optional beaches is essential if Naturism is to survive and thrive.
Florida is a popular tourist destination, and the designation of a beach in Pinellas County as clothing-optional would represent a significant step forward. It would provide new opportunities for Naturist visitors while also bringing the benefits and joy of Naturism into the public eye.
British Naturism has played an active role in this campaign, working alongside American Naturist associations. Together, we gathered submissions from 10,000 supporters, demonstrating that Naturism is far less niche than it is sometimes perceived to be and that there is genuine demand for such opportunities.
British Naturism President Mark Bass said:
“Decades of experience show that clothing-optional beaches are inclusive, respectful, and safe spaces. They are environments that promote positive body image and mutual respect, attracting a diverse range of visitors, including families.”
The positive impact of Naturism on self-image and mental health is a key reason why campaigns like this matter so much. If we can move the world in a direction where everyone is respected and treated equally, society as a whole will benefit – whether individuals choose to engage in Naturism or not.
It will be some time before we know whether the campaign has been successful, but for now, we can all keep our fingers crossed.

Standing Together Against Discrimination: A UK–US Naturist Perspective

Standing Together Against Discrimination: A UK–US Naturist Perspective

The violence targeted against a participant in one of the World Naked Bike Rides last summer is currently generating a lot of interest in the UK media. However, concerns about discrimination against Naturists are not limited to the UK.
Evan Nicks, Director of the Western Nudist Research Library, and Mark Bass, President of British Naturism, have been examining these shifts in public behaviour and attitudes. Their analysis has been published by Planet Nude, one of the largest American platforms dedicated to the history, culture, and politics of nudity. The involvement of a major international research organisation underlines that these events are not an isolated local issue, but part of a broader global challenge around tolerance, difference, and how societies respond to minority groups.
The original article is published on Planet Nude and reproduced below for access to UK readers:
A punch in Colchester, a panic in London
How one attack has ironically become ammunition in Britain’s latest fight over public nudity
Evan Nicks, 31st December 2025
Organizers of the London World Naked Bike Ride have increased security and altered plans for next year’s event following a wave of backlash triggered by a violent assault on a nude cyclist in August—an escalation that underscores how quickly public nudity is becoming a flashpoint rather than a protected form of protest.
The changes come after Robert Brown, 59, a participant in the Colchester World Naked Bike Ride, was punched off his bike by a passing motorcyclist, a local sanitation worker who later said he mistook the rider for a “pervert.” The cyclist suffered lasting injuries. The attacker received a suspended prison sentence.
What followed was not a renewed focus on vigilante violence as the victim might have hoped for, but a reframing of the incident itself. In the weeks after the assault, tabloid coverage, talk radio segments, and online campaigns began treating naked bike rides as the underlying problem, and putting the victim of the initial crime in a position to have to publicly defend himself accusations that he is a “pervert.” A petition calling for the London ride to be banned gained traction, framed around “safeguarding” and child protection—even though no laws were broken and no children were involved in the incident whatsoever.
This is the story Planet Nude readers will likely recognize: a real incident, a moral panic layered on top of it, and a familiar conclusion. Restrict the bodies that are easiest to police while ignoring the real problem.
The UK’s nudity literacy problem
Initial reporting focused, understandably, on the violence. Footage released by prosecutors showed the moment of the punch, and coverage emphasized the shock of seeing a nude cyclist attacked in broad daylight. But as the clip circulated, the frame subtly changed; the cyclist’s nudity became the headline hook, the assault itself merely a backdrop. Campaigners opposing the rides argued that events like the World Naked Bike Ride blur legal boundaries, normalize indecency, and place children at risk. Emma-Jane Taylor, a child safety campaigner who launched a petition to ban the London ride, described the events as unsafe and inappropriate. Several politicians echoed the sentiment, referring to riders as “flashers on bikes” and characterizing the rides as a failure to maintain public order.
What went largely unexamined was the legal reality. The rides are lawful, coordinated with police, marshalled by volunteers, and governed by strict codes of conduct. Nor did much coverage linger on the uncomfortable implication of the proposed solution: that when someone reacts violently to a lawful protest, the protest—not the violence—should be curtailed.
Part of what allows this inversion to take hold is a persistent lack of public understanding about the law around nudity in England and Wales. Public nudity is not, in itself, a sexual offense. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, context and intent are decisive in cases involving nudity, which becomes criminal only when it is lewd, sexual, or intended to cause harassment, alarm, or distress—not when it is part of a peaceful protest or everyday activity.
British Naturism (BN), which has spent decades engaging with police forces, councils, and public authorities, says this misunderstanding is widespread. “Many people assume that being naked in public must be illegal,” Mark Bass of British Naturism told Planet Nude. “This belief often arises not from the law itself, but from unfamiliarity. When something is rarely encountered, it’s easy to conclude there must be something inherently wrong with it.”
Addressing that unfamiliarity has become a central focus of BN’s public-facing work. In recent years, the organization has increasingly turned to direct public education efforts, including its TheNakedTruth campaign, which aims to clearly explain what UK law does—and does not—say about non-sexual public nudity. The campaign distills complex legal guidance into accessible language, countering the assumption that nudity is automatically indecent or unlawful.
BN’s engagement has also shaped how the law is applied in practice. According to Bass, guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service and the College of Policing on how officers should respond to reports of public nudity has directly benefitted from BN’s input. “This has never been about seeking special exemptions for naturists,” he said. “It’s about helping authorities avoid unintended consequences and ensuring laws are applied fairly and sensibly.”
That distinction matters. British Naturism does not organize World Naked Bike Rides, which are protest actions rather than club naturism. But the principle that lawful nudity should not be treated as inherently suspicious is a shared concern.
Bass also cautions that the backlash may say less about nudity itself than about a broader shift in social behavior. “Ten years ago, people who disapproved might have tutted, rolled their eyes, or complained to friends,” he said. “Today, reactions to things people dislike have become more extreme. Opposition increasingly turns aggressive.” In that climate, ambiguity becomes dangerous. When the public is unclear about what the law permits, and media coverage leans into outrage rather than explanation, escalation becomes easier to justify.
“Think of the children,” again
Perhaps the most predictable element of the backlash is the invocation of children. Opponents of the rides consistently frame their objections around safeguarding, even when children are not directly involved. In the Colchester case, no minors were present. No allegations of harm were made. Still, campaigners quickly shifted the focus away from the assault itself and toward speculative risk.
The logic is familiar: not that something did happen, but that something could happen. That possibility, once raised, is treated as sufficient justification for bans, restrictions, or heightened control. The burden of proof quietly reverses. Organizers and participants are asked to demonstrate that harm will never occur, rather than critics being asked to show that it has.
Planet Nude readers have seen this pattern before. In Wisconsin, a nearly identical strategy was deployed against World Naked Bike Rides in 2023. There, outrage centered on the presence of a single minor participant at the Madison ride—accompanied by a parent, at a clothing-optional, city-sanctioned protest. Conservative media coverage framed the child’s participation as inherently exploitative. Republican lawmakers seized on the controversy to introduce bills that would have criminalized public nudity outright and prohibited minors from attending events where adults might be nude. Law enforcement had investigated and found no violations of state or local law. The child involved reported no harm and expressed enthusiasm about the experience. None of that slowed the political response. The bills advanced anyway, driven less by evidence than by the optics of “protecting children” from a perceived moral threat.
What’s notable is how little these debates hinge on facts once the safeguarding frame is activated. In both London and Wisconsin, child protection functioned as a rhetorical trump card—an argument that effectively shuts down discussion by casting disagreement as indifference to child harm. It is a powerful move because it bypasses proportionality and triggers deep emotions. If children are invoked, nuance becomes suspect. Legal context becomes secondary. Intent no longer matters.
The remedies proposed under this framing are rarely narrow or surgical. They are sweeping and punitive, aimed not at specific conduct but at entire categories of expression. In Wisconsin, lawmakers sought to rewrite indecent exposure law altogether. In the UK, campaigners have called for outright bans on naked bike rides, despite their legality and long history of peaceful operation.
In both cases, the underlying assumption is the same: that nudity itself is the danger. Once that premise is accepted, violence against nude bodies can be rationalized as provocation, and restrictions on lawful protest can be framed as prevention. That is not safeguarding. It is moral panic, dressed in the language of concern.
The pressure reshapes the protest
As of this writing, the consequences of the moral panic have become visible. Last week, organizers of the London World Naked Bike Ride reported increased hostility from the public and rising security costs. The event shifted dates, hired additional security, and adjusted route plans to reduce friction. Similar patterns were reported in other UK cities.
Bass argues that the response to this moment will shape what comes next. “Naturism is rooted in respect, empathy, and kindness,” he said. “Calm, measured responses aren’t always easy when emotions are running high, but striking back only deepens division. If we want to reduce hostility rather than amplify it, respectful engagement is essential.”
Stripped of tabloid story-framing, the question isn’t whether everyone likes naked bike rides, or even whether nudity is inherently lewd or not. It’s whether lawful protest can survive a climate where discomfort is treated as danger, and danger is treated as license. The cyclist in Colchester did nothing illegal. He was assaulted for being visible. How Britain responds to that fact will say far more about the state of public freedom than any petition ever could.
© Evan Nicks, Planet Nude

Daily Mail. “Naked cycling campaigners hire security as public rebel against sight of grown adults pedalling through British cities clothes-free.” December 27, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15415751/Naked-cycling-campaigners-security-public-rebel-grown-adults-pedalling-British-cities-clothes-free.html
Daily Mail. “Naturist punched off his bike on charity ride says he was mistaken for a ‘pervert’.” November 30, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15339221/Naturist-punched-bike-charity-ride-cycling-nude.html
Daily Mail. “Calls to ban naked bike riding in Britain after nude cyclist is attacked by vigilante binman at ‘charity’ event.” November 20, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15309293/Calls-ban-naked-bike-riding-Britain-nude-cyclist-attacked-vigilante-binman-charity-event-campaigners-warn-happen-again.html
Planet Nude. “Double standards in dairyland.” October 4, 2023. https://www.planetnude.co/p/double-standards-in-dairyland
Planet Nude. “More trouble in Madison: Wisconsin anti-nude bills advance to State Assembly.” October 19, 2023. https://www.planetnude.co/p/more-trouble-in-madison-wisconsin
Planet Nude. “Full steam ahead for Wisconsin WNBRs.” May 27, 2024. https://www.planetnude.co/p/full-steam-ahead-for-wisconsin-wnbrs
Metro. “Call to ban naked bike rides after nude cyclist attacked by vigilante binman.” November 21, 2025. https://metro.co.uk/2025/11/21/call-ban-naked-bike-rides-nude-cyclist-attacked-vigilante-binman-24767980/
The Times. “Naked cycling campaigners hire security as hostility from public grows.” December 2025. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/naked-cycling-campaigners-fear-growing-risk-from-prudish-public-vzjq6lq6g

Maisie Williams - A Quiet Narrative

Maisie Williams - A Quiet Narrative

The Daily Mail today picked up on a recent Instagram post by Game of Thrones actor Maisie Williams, sharing moments from a holiday in Sardinia with friends.
The photos showed the food, the walking, the landscape, the cliff diving – and, quietly among them, a couple of shots of skinny dipping. No fuss. No headline image. No mention in the caption. Just part of the experience.
And that’s the point.
For many twenty-somethings, social nudity doesn’t need labels, explanation or fanfare. It’s simply something they do. A natural extension of comfort, trust and being present in the moment.
Maisie’s ease with herself and the world around her will be no surprise to those who’ve followed her career. Rising to fame at a young age, she’s also used her platform thoughtfully – as an environmental activist, WWF’s first global ambassador for climate and nature, and a strong voice on social justice issues including anti-bullying and Black Lives Matter.
These are values that align closely with the Naturist community: respect, authenticity, and acceptance of ourselves and others. Seen through that lens, a relaxed attitude to the human body feels entirely consistent.
Celebrities inevitably influence social conversation. So when they reflect ideas that many quietly live by already, it’s worth noticing – not for sensation, but for what it says about where society may already be heading.
Image Copyright: Maisie Williams | Instagram

Be Part of Something Extraordinary – Autumn 2026

Be Part of Something Extraordinary – Autumn 2026

We are planning a major artistic project for autumn 2026 in partnership with internationally renowned photographer Angelo Musco. This ambitious photographic collaboration will explore humanity, connection, and acceptance of the nude form, pushing creative and emotional boundaries through collective body sculpture.

The project will bring together around 70 models to create a powerful, large-scale artwork. Carefully managed and respectfully led, participants will have the opportunity to release their artistic core and contribute to something far greater than themselves.

📍 Location: London
📅 Timing: October 2026
🎭 Venues: We are currently exploring London theatres and other indoor spaces as potential locations.

Angelo Musco’s work is physically demanding, requiring focus, stamina, and trust in the process. However, for those willing to take part, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with a world-class artist and be part of a landmark creative moment.

You can view examples of Angelo’s previous work on his website:
👉 https://angelomusco.com/


TheNakedTruth team will be present on behalf of British Naturism, documenting and reporting on the project as it unfolds.

Interested in taking part?

We are now inviting expressions of interest from potential participants. Registering does not commit you, but it will help us achieve a thoughtful balance of age, gender, and body diversity within the final sculpture.

🔗 Register your interest here


If this speaks to you — creatively, emotionally, or personally — we encourage you to sign up and help shape something truly incredible in 2026.

BN Winter Magazine Now Live!

BN Winter Magazine Now Live!

We’re excited to announce that the latest Winter edition of BN Magazine is officially live and available to read now.
This new issue features fresh travel stories, community insights, and perspectives that reflect what matters most to our members right now. From in-depth features on everything from our events and far away destinations to our 2025 end of year updates and nationwide member highlights, the magazine brings together everything here at BN as we hope to inform, inspire, and engage.
Whether you’re a long-time reader or discovering BN Magazine for the first time, we invite you to explore the new issue and share it with others.
Download here

Social Media: The New Force Shaping Young People’s Views on Nudity

Social Media: The New Force Shaping Young People’s Views on Nudity

Over the last two days we have been exploring the recent national surveys into how people perceive Naturism, their attitudes toward nudity, and the kinds of things they actually do while naked. A feature that has appeared consistently across these analyses is that young adults are more open-minded and more willing to engage in social nudity than their parents or grandparents.
The one notable exception is attitudes toward nudity in public spaces — places where someone might easily be seen, photographed, or filmed. Here, younger adults become markedly more cautious.
Today, we finish this series by looking at the forces driving that apparent contradiction: greater comfort with nudity overall, paired with greater hesitation about nudity in highly visible settings.
If one factor explains the generational divide in public nudity, it’s this:
no generation in history has lived under the constant visibility created by social media.
Every moment can be photographed, filmed, uploaded, shared, or misused.
For young adults, this isn’t a fear — it’s a normal part of life.
A Digital Environment Older Generations Never Experienced
The UK Ipsos survey found:
• 20% of 16–24 year-olds check TikTok more than once an hour
• Among 55–75 year-olds, 88% don’t use TikTok at all
This huge difference in digital exposure helps explain why younger adults are more cautious about public nudity, even while being more open to nudity overall.
The Pressure to Compare
The survey also asked whether people compare their bodies with attractive actors, influencers, or models:
• 39% of 16–24 year-olds said yes
• The proportion drops sharply after age 45
The constant stream of perfected, filtered bodies can heighten self-consciousness, making public nudity — especially on beaches — feel riskier.
Saoirse, 21, explained:
“I think the biggest challenge for our generation is probably social media. In our parents’ generation they didn’t have the same access to images of idealised bodies.”
But Social Media Isn’t All Bad
The influence of social media is complex, and not entirely negative.
A US survey found:
• 65% of 18–29 year-olds believe seeing more naked people of all shapes and sizes online would improve their body confidence
The same platform that creates pressure can also normalise diversity, challenge stigma, and build community.
And while the 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report found low membership among 16–28 year-olds, it also found that organisations most successful with young people all had something in common: strong digital strategies. Furthermore, it found that those are the organisations that are thriving.
Online spaces — used well — are powerful for outreach, visibility, and culture change.
A New Era of Openness and Caution
Taken together, the surveys show a new dynamic among young adults:
• more open to nudity
• more involved in nude activities
• more positive toward Naturism
• but more cautious in public spaces due to digital exposure
Understanding this balance — enthusiasm for nudity combined with awareness of visibility — is crucial for supporting healthier attitudes toward bodies and self-acceptance in an increasingly connected world.

Study compiled by Dr Mark Bass and TheNakedTruth team

Nude Activities: What Young People Are Doing

Nude Activities: What Young People Are Doing

Yesterday we began to dig into the series of recent national surveys, exploring attitudes toward Naturism, nudity in general, and how those views shift across generations. Today, we take that analysis a step further — moving from attitudes to actions.
Because while it’s fascinating to know what people think about nudity, it’s even more revealing to look at what they actually do.
Building on the strong generational differences in attitudes toward nudity, the same national surveys show an equally striking divide when it comes to activities — from skinny dipping and nude sunbathing to visiting nude beaches, resorts, and other clothing-optional spaces. These behaviours provide some of the clearest evidence yet of how dramatically different generations relate to nudity in everyday life.
The message is clear: young adults do more nude activities, more often, and with more openness than older generations ever did.
Lifetime Participation: Younger Adults Lead
A UK Ipsos study reveals that 55% of 16–24 year-olds say they have taken part in at least one of the following:
• skinny dipping
• nude sunbathing
• visiting a nude beach or resort
Among 55–75 year-olds, only 28% say the same.
Because this data reflects lifetime experience, it reveals that older adults weren’t doing these things even when they were young. By contrast, today’s younger adults are participating more — despite having had fewer years to do so.
The same pattern appears internationally. A US Zogby poll found:
• 49% of Americans aged 30–49 have tried skinny dipping or nude sunbathing
• compared with 25% of those aged 65+
Skinny Dipping: A Gateway Experience
UK Ipsos found that 25% of 16–24 year-olds had already been skinny dipping — with past participation slowly declining with age.
While responses to the same question in a YouGov survey showed no variation with age, when YouGov asked if people would consider skinny dipping, the generational divide reappeared:
• 28% of 18–34 year-olds said yes
• With decreasing willingness in each older group
Leslie, 33, remembers his first time:
“I whipped my shorts off, my friends were horrified, I got in the sea — and it was just a rush.”
A cross-European YouGov survey found the highest participation in Denmark, where 39% of adults have skinny dipped in open water — more than double the UK figure — suggesting that cultural norms also play a major role.
Nude Sunbathing and Toplessness
Patterns in sunbathing also reveal generational differences:
• Under-45s are more likely to have sunbathed nude for an all-over tan
• But toplessness shows an unusual reversal
Across the UK:
• 90%+ say it’s acceptable for men to go topless at the beach
• 62% say the same for women
• These views are broadly age-neutral and reflected across Europe

Yet in behaviour:
• Only 38% of 18–34 year-olds have been topless at a beach
• compared with 62% of 50–64 year-olds
This is the opposite of nearly every other nudity-related activity.
Why the Reversal?
The most likely explanation is visibility. Many nude or semi-nude activities (skinny dipping in a quiet cove, sunbathing in a secluded spot) involve little risk of being photographed.
Beaches are different.
They’re public, crowded, and everyone has a camera phone.
Younger adults appear more open to nudity in principle, but more cautious about nudity in public view — a theme explored in the next article.

Study compiled by Dr Mark Bass and TheNakedTruth team

Generational Attitudes Toward Nudity: Who Likes Being Naked?

Generational Attitudes Toward Nudity: Who Likes Being Naked?

Over the last three years, a series of nationally representative surveys from Ipsos, YouGov and Zogby Analytics have revealed a significant shift in how different generations view nudity. These polls avoided self-selection bias and instead captured the views of broad, representative samples, giving the clearest picture so far of what people really think about being naked.
And one trend stands out: young adults are consistently more open to nudity than older generations.
Do People Actually Like Being Naked?
Simple questions often reveal the most:
Do you consider yourself a Naturist? Have you taken part in Naturism? Do you enjoy being naked?
In the UK, Ipsos found that 22–25% of 16–44 year-olds identify with the Naturist label. In France, the numbers are even higher — 37% of 25–34 year-olds say they’ve tried Naturism.
Saoirse, 21, told us:
“My friends were somewhat surprised when I said I was getting into Naturism — this is a thing I do now — but at the same time they were like, ‘Yeah… I’d expect that from you.’”
Among older adults, however, the figures drop sharply. Only 3–5% of 45–75 year-olds in the UK describe themselves as Naturists — a steep generational contrast echoed in France and supported by YouGov polling on simply liking being naked.
Behaviour Tells an Even Stronger Story
When polling avoids labels and focuses instead on behaviour, the generational divide widens.
A UK Ipsos study asked whether people had recently spent time naked with others in non-sexual, non-medical contexts. The difference was dramatic:
• 38% of 16–24 year-olds had been socially naked multiple times in the last 12 months
• Only 4% of 55–75 year-olds had
For many young adults, social nudity is relaxed, informal, and unremarkable. Hannah, 26, recalled:
“On holiday with my girl mates recently, we were all just naked in the villa all the time because it was hot.”
Why the Age Gap?
Part of the answer lies in a wider cultural shift: younger adults increasingly define themselves by their actions, not by formal group memberships or labels.
The 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report confirms this. Gen Z make up just 11% of people involved in membership organisations — far below every older generation.
Yet their participation in naked activities is climbing.

A Clear Pattern
Across national studies, younger adults are:
• more likely to identify with Naturism,
• more likely to enjoy being naked,
• and far more likely to spend time socially naked.

This sets the stage for the next key question:
What are young people actually doing when they’re naked?


Study compiled by Dr Mark Bass and TheNakedTruth team

Our very own Helen Berriman on Should I Delete That? Podcast: A Candid, Joyful Deep-Dive Into Naturism

Our very own Helen Berriman on Should I Delete That? Podcast: A Candid, Joyful Deep-Dive Into Naturism

This week, the Should I Delete That? podcast took a bold step into the world of naturism and they did it with none other than our very own Helen Berriman, host of British Naturism: Women in Focus and one of the most thoughtful, open advocates for the women in naturism movement today.
The episode pulls no punches. From the very first question, hosts Alex and Em decide to challenge every assumption, every stereotype, and every bit of ingrained prudishness they’ve ever carried about nudity. And Helen guides them through it all with warmth, honesty, and a good dose of humour.
Naturism vs nudism, and why it matters
Helen begins by clearing up a common misconception: naturism isn’t about sex, shock, or exhibitionism. It’s a philosophy grounded in respect, acceptance, non-sexual social nudity, and a deep connection with both self and environment.
She shares how she first came to naturism, reluctantly, at first, and how, years on, it’s become a transformative part of her life.
The practicalities (yes… including bare bums on furniture)
One of the joys of this episode is how frankly everyone speaks about the logistics that people are usually too embarrassed to ask about. Chairs, weather, where to look, how group environments feel, it’s all there, approached with curiosity rather than judgement.
By meeting these questions head-on, Helen helps strip away (excuse the pun) the mystique around naturism and show what it really looks like in everyday life.

Healing, body image, and reclaiming comfort
Perhaps the most powerful thread in the conversation is the role naturism plays in healing and body acceptance. Helen talks openly about the profound shift in self-image she experienced through social nudity, how shedding clothes can sometimes be the first step in shedding shame.
The hosts reflect on their own anxieties around safety, boundaries, and vulnerability, and how understanding naturism more clearly reshaped their perspective.
“Helen, you sold it to us!”
By the end of the episode, the hosts jokingly declare that the podcast will now be recorded naked, well, almost! But their playful comment reflects something real: naturism, once understood, is far less intimidating and far more inviting than most people imagine.
The episode is thoughtful, funny, open-minded, and genuinely informative and Helen shines bringing two newbies into our community.
Where to listen
🎧 Listen to Helen’s episode of Should I Delete That?
We Take the Bins Out Naked (with naturist Helen Berriman)
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/we-take-the-bins-out-naked-with-naturist-helen-berriman/id1602088590?i=1000740132222
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSASE3ZiNV3/?hl=en
Discover more
🌿 Helen’s podcast: British Naturism: Women in Focus
🌐 Learn more about British Naturism: https://bn.org.uk/
💛 Support the Women in Naturism campaign
📸 Follow Helen on Instagram: @helen.berriman

Call for Pitches: Spring 2026 BN Magazine

Call for Pitches: Spring 2026 BN Magazine

2026 is on the horizon and so is our next issue of BN Magazine!
While our latest edition is being posted out to members over the coming week, we’re already turning our attention to what comes next. Planning for the Spring 2026 edition is now underway, and we’re officially opening our call for pitches.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome contributions from writers, practitioners, researchers, and community members who have something valuable to share with the BN readership. Whether you’re eager to explore emerging conversations, highlight new initiatives, reflect on current challenges, or showcase inspiring work happening in your area, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re particularly interested in:
Thought-provoking features
Lived-experience stories - (Travel, Community Events, Global Naturism)
Commentary on current issues
Profiles, interviews, and project spotlights
Creative or visually engaging pieces - (book reviews, artwork, creative writing)
If you have an idea, even if it’s still taking shape, we encourage you to pitch it.
How to Submit a Pitch
Please send a brief outline of your idea, including:
Working title
Proposed angle or key message
Estimated length
Any relevant links, visuals, or background context
We will respond to any pieces of interest to request the full version.
Email your pitches to magazine@bn.org.uk by 28th Jan 2026.
This upcoming edition is a chance to highlight fresh perspectives and help shape the conversations that matter most to our community. We’re excited to see what stories you want to tell.
We look forward to your submissions and we can’t wait for you to receive our latest edition in the post very soon!

Help Shape the Future of Naturism at Monknash Beach

Help Shape the Future of Naturism at Monknash Beach

British naturism has received a request for input from the Friends of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a charity that has been supporting and protecting this remarkable stretch of coastline for nearly 30 years. Their mission includes preserving biodiversity, conserving natural and historic features, and enhancing public enjoyment of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
This coastline — and Monknash beach in particular — has a long and valued tradition of Naturist use. It’s fantastic that the Friends of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast recognise this and have approached British Naturism members to help shape their future plans.
The charity is hoping to offer grants to local projects next year, but first they want to understand the needs and priorities of the people who use this beautiful area. To do that, they’re gathering feedback through a short questionnaire.
If you’ve visited Monknash or the nearby beaches, we encourage you to take five minutes to complete the survey. This is a meaningful opportunity to support the future of Naturism along the Glamorgan coast — and a simple but powerful way to help advance our wider campaigning goals.
If you know the area, please do take part. Let us not miss this opportunity to have Naturism lead the way.

British Naturism Makes Waves at the BSME Awards

British Naturism Makes Waves at the BSME Awards

It’s been a huge week, with British Naturism celebrating a major milestone at the 2025 British Society of Magazine Editors Awards!
BN Magazine was shortlisted in two categories. Andrew Welch was in the running for Editor of the Year – effectively Magazine of the Year in the Independent category – and President Mark Bass was shortlisted for Cover of the Year.
The ceremony, attended by Andrew Welch, Mark Bass, Chair Colin Taylor, and our talented layout designer Jen Gaughan from Studio 27eleven, brought together some of the UK’s most inspiring media creators. While we may not have claimed any victories, being nominated at this level is a landmark moment for the normalisation of Naturism. The titles we stood alongside show just how far Naturism has moved into the mainstream – and how recognised British Naturism has become as a credible voice in national media. These included:
• National Geographic
• New Scientist
• Which?
• Saga Magazine
• Empire
• Glamour
• Good Housekeeping
• The Sunday Times Magazine
• Grazia
A genuine gasp went around the room when our nomination for Editor of the Year appeared on screen, featuring Saoirse proudly in front of the neon “EveryBody” sign. We may not have the tens of millions of pounds turnover enjoyed by many of the other nominees, but we were there — and we were absolutely noticed. Our presence alone opened meaningful conversations about how Naturism changes lives and how our message can reach even further.
Naturism has the power to transform how people see themselves and each other — improving mental wellbeing, building body confidence, fostering equality, and giving people the freedom to be genuinely themselves. British Naturism champions these values every day, whether through BN Magazine and our news stories, campaigns like TheNakedTruth, or the Women in Focus podcast.
Ceremonies are a wonderful pat on the back… but their real value is in the doors they open, the conversations they spark, and the chance to help even more people discover the life-changing benefits of Naturism.
And truly — we’re only just getting started.

Join today for the chance to win a holiday in the Canary Islands!

Join today for the chance to win a holiday in the Canary Islands!

Ever thought about joining British Naturism? There’s truly no better time!

We’re running an exclusive members-only giveaway:
✨ A one-week Naturist holiday in sunny Fuerteventura!

In partnership with Euronature, we’re giving away a stay at the beautiful Infiniti Sun Club Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

🗓 Stay dates: 13–20 December 2025 (fixed)
🏡 Accommodation: 2-room apartment – View the resort here

And there’s more — we’ll contribute up to €250 per person towards flights, making this an irresistible opportunity for pure sunshine, tranquillity, and Naturist freedom.

The winner will be notified by email on 28 November 2025, so don’t miss your chance.
This giveaway is exclusively for British Naturism members.

So for your chance to win, join today, and when you receive your fast-tracked membership number, and enter the competition here!

British Naturism and TheNakedTruth Now on Vimeo!

British Naturism and TheNakedTruth Now on Vimeo!

In our next big step to share the benefits of Naturism, British Naturism and TheNakedTruth campaign are now on Vimeo!
Over the last couple of years, there has been an explosion in our video content as Saoirse, Claire, and Kelsey have visited our festivals, talking to people about what first drew them to Naturism, how it has supported their mental wellbeing, and what they’ve enjoyed most about these events.
The objective of this campaign has always been to address the feelings of low self-worth that plague society — particularly among younger generations — and to start a conversation about how we can rebuild self-esteem and body confidence. Naturists know that spending time naked enhances our sense of worth, and scientific studies have proven the link between happiness and social nudity.
However, sharing that truth can be difficult. Facts alone are rarely emotionally compelling, and video content offers a powerful way to bring these stories to life. The challenge has been how to reach a wider public audience.
So far, TheNakedTruth has focused on Instagram, the largest platform for visual content. The results have been phenomenal, reaching over 1.5 million viewers each month through the summer and still attracting three quarters of a million views monthly in autumn. Yet, restrictions on nudity — even in discussion rather than display — have created obstacles. While our focus is always on ideas, not bodies, the need to obscure natural skin tones can sometimes mask the authentic human expression that’s part of genuine conversation.
YouTube, like Instagram, also imposes strict content rules, making extended discussions between people feel less natural and limiting the depth of the message.
To address this, TheNakedTruth is now live on Vimeo. While Vimeo requires age verification, it gives us the freedom to share our original stories and speak openly about the challenges people face, and how Naturism has helped them overcome low points in their lives.
So far, two powerful videos have been released.
• In the first, Kelsey talks about how damaging relationships once destroyed her self-confidence — and how spending time naked helped her rebuild a positive relationship with her body.
• In the second, Martha shares her story of trauma and self-hate, and how discovering Naturism became a life-changing experience that helped her heal and grow into the person she is today.
These are just two of the many voices showing how Naturism can lift us up. More content will be released over time, including discussions about the challenges young people face and the “elephant in the room” — gender inequality, and why women’s and men’s bodies are viewed and treated so differently in society.
Go watch these recordings, and share them widely.
We know that Naturism can change lives for the better—let’s make sure more people know that too.

Barely Beaten: British Naturism Swimmers Take Silver in Barcelona

Barely Beaten: British Naturism Swimmers Take Silver in Barcelona

Team BN make waves at the International Naturist Federation’s Swimming Championship, finishing just behind France in a spirited contest. 
In a celebration of athleticism and body positivity, British Naturism’s swimming team claimed a proud second place at the International Naturist Federation’s Swimming Championship held in Sitges near Barcelona from 31st October to 2nd November 2025. Competing against top naturist athletes from across Europe, the UK team delivered standout performances in the pool, narrowly missing gold to France, while Italy rounded out the podium in third. The event showcased not only competitive spirit but also the growing strength of naturist sport on the international stage. 
The 1st winner of the Beatrice Lacour Cup in dedication to Beatrice who sadly passed at last year’s Championship is Dominike Lemoine, the trophy was presented by Beatrice’s husband Jean Marie Lecoeur.  
Laurent Luft, the INF's Europe Representative, was there to cheer on the swimmers as neutrally as possible. He remarked to the fabulous BN Team Captain that the camaraderie within the BN team always impresses the French swimmers, who try at every championship to be at least as good as their friends from the cold side of the Channel. 
Sadly there is no international Swimming Championship next year as part of the INF-FNI’s budgeting strategy, but do not be disheartened we still have our National Swimming Gala and Festival of Sport to look forward to on 11th April 2026, booking is open so why not come and join us here for a fantastic evening sport.  
And finally a huge thank you to Naturist Association of Platja de l'Aiguadolç for organising and host a fantastic competition. 
Ian Munt Sports Officer 

Join the Leadership Team of British Naturism

Join the Leadership Team of British Naturism

At this year’s AGM, members voted to increase the number of Directors, adding another Director Without Portfolio to the Board.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with boardroom, senior management, or consultancy experience to utilise their skills, knowledge, and expertise to get on board as part of the Leadership Team of British Naturism.

As a Director (Without Portfolio), you’ll be able to take on a variety of responsibilities depending on the organisation’s needs and priorities, or aligned with your own specific interests and skills.

We’re looking for someone with:
- A sound understanding of good governance
- Strong interpersonal skills
- The ability to consider issues and opportunities impartially and from multiple points of view
- You must also be eligible to act as a Company Director.

Time commitment:
The role typically requires five or more hours per week, involving both independent and team-based contributions. You’ll be expected to attend:
Executive Committee meetings (usually the last Tuesday of every month)
Fortnightly Directors’ meetings (usually Tuesdays)

The person appointed will be co-opted to the Executive Committee for up to two years, after which they’ll be eligible for election to the role at the Annual General Meeting in 2027.

British Naturism proudly supports the Women on Boards initiative and welcomes applications from women and others who can bring fresh experience and perspectives to the governance of British Naturism.

👉 For further information or to apply, please visit our website, member login required: Director Without Portfolio

It’s #TrusteesWeek!

It’s #TrusteesWeek!

It’s #TrusteesWeek! The time of year when we come together to celebrate the amazing contribution made by trustees for their charities, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations and recognise the difference they make. Trustees’ Week is an annual event held during November (this year 3-7 November 2025) to showcase the great work people do as trustees, directors and committee members and provide opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of trustees across the UK and to thank them for the time, commitment, and effort they bring to our charities, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations to help them thrive.

Crucial Role
Charities, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations play a crucial role in addressing social needs and driving positive change.  A central part of their success is its trustees.
Trustees, directors and committee members are the guardians of an organisation’s mission.  They oversee its strategic direction, financial management, and legal compliance.  They bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.  This helps organisations, like British Naturism, make better decisions and have a bigger impact.
The Directors and Executive Committee members of British Naturism are volunteers who give their time and effort and take on big responsibilities.  Being a Director or Officer of BN is a rewarding experience.  It allows us to learn new skills, meet new people, and gain experience.  Most importantly, we get to give back to a cause and a community we care about.
Directors and Officers, like all trustees, play a sophisticated role in governance, compliance, and strategic decision-making.  The role is becoming more complex as voluntary organisations navigate an ever-evolving landscape.  Tackling issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and health requires trustees with more diverse skills.
British Naturism, in common with between one in three and one in two voluntary organisations, has vacancies for Directors and Officers.  This means we are missing out on the skills and knowledge we need to deliver the biggest impact possible.  And it’s making the job harder for those who already give so much.
Get On Board
There are opportunities for members to utilise their skills, knowledge and experience 'to get on board' as part of the Leadership Team of British Naturism and join the Executive Committee, as part of the following roles:
Finance Director – you will be responsible for the strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial affairs and assisting the Executive Committee to fulfil its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the organisation.  
Director Without Portfolio – you will be able to take on a variety of responsibilities dependent upon the needs and priorities of the organisation or that reflect your specific interests or skills.
Campaigns Officer – you will be responsible for leading and coordinating the development of new and existing campaigns that promote and normalise naturism and social nudity as a healthy lifestyle.
Regional Organiser (LASER) – you will be coordinating and promoting a programme of naturist activities and opportunities in the London and South East Region; leading the delivery of the organisation's aims and objectives and representing the interests and views of members in the region.
For a bit of fun, try the Trustee Quiz and test your knowledge.  You don't need to get 100% to become a BN Director or Officer as we can provide training and help you gain the skills needed.  Do let me know what your score is!
To find out more about any of these roles, view the opportunities listed on the website (Members Area > Volunteering > Volunteering Opportunities) and browse or search for the role you are interested in (member login required) or contact John Gelder, Volunteering Officer, by email: john.gelder@bn.org.uk or DM through the website.

Exciting New BN Travel Service powered by Euronature + Exclusive Member Giveaway! 🌴

Exciting New BN Travel Service powered by Euronature + Exclusive Member Giveaway! 🌴

We’re delighted to announce a between British Naturism and Euronature, one of Europe’s leading naturist holiday specialists for the relaunch of our BN Travel Service.
Euronature offers a wide range of naturist resorts, villas, and destinations across Europe — all carefully selected to provide relaxation, comfort, and the freedom to be yourself. To celebrate our new collaboration, BN members can now enjoy an exclusive £50 discount on any Euronature booking using the code BNWINTER50 and their membership number. Find out more about Euronature here.
And that’s not all!
To mark the start of this exciting partnership powering the BN Travel Service, we’re launching an exclusive giveaway just for British Naturism members.
Together with Euronature, we’re giving away a one-week stay at the beautiful Infiniti Sun Club Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
🗓 Stay dates: 13–20 December 2025 (fixed dates)
🏡 Accommodation: 2-room apartment – View the resort here
To make this holiday even more special, we’ll contribute up to €250 per person towards flights — making it a truly irresistible naturist getaway filled with sunshine, tranquility, and good company.
This giveaway is open exclusively to BN members, so if you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to join and take part!
✨ The lucky winner will be notified by email on 28 November 2025.

Ready to enter? Sign up to enter here

Goodbye — or Rather, Hello — to Noreen Kennedy

Goodbye — or Rather, Hello — to Noreen Kennedy

For the past few years, Gary and Noreen Kennedy have shared the role of Director without Portfolio, and in true partnership style, they’ve shown that two heads really are better than one. Together, they’ve played a big part in many of British Naturism’s recent achievements, not least the creation of our blossoming Northern Ireland Region as an independent entity.
Now, Noreen has decided that it’s time to step back from her co-Director duties, but don’t mistake that for a farewell. Far from it. When the Northern Ireland Region was first finding its feet, Kev O’Connor took on the role of Regional Organiser, helping to guide it through those early days. From the outset, Kev was clear that he saw himself as a caretaker, someone to nurture the roots before handing over the reins.
With the region now thriving, that moment has come. Kev has stepped aside, and Noreen has stepped forward to take up the role of Regional Organiser. And it hasn’t taken long for her trademark energy to make an impact. From the success of the Great British Skinny Dips at Portstewart — proudly championed by the National Trust — to her engagement with representatives at Stormont, Noreen is already making her mark.
So, while we say goodbye to Noreen the Director, we say a very warm hello to Noreen the Regional Organiser. Our heartfelt thanks go to Kev for his work in helping Northern Ireland find its own regional identity — and our best wishes to Noreen as she leads it into what promises to be an exciting future.

Sunfolk Becomes Official INF Corporate Partner!

Sunfolk Becomes Official INF Corporate Partner!

British Naturism is delighted to announce that Sunfolk has been officially recognised as a Corporate Partner of the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI)!
This is a major milestone for both Sunfolk and BN, reflecting our shared commitment to promoting naturism, protecting naturist spaces, and strengthening international connections across the global naturist community.
The INF-FNI represents national naturist federations around the world and works to uphold the values, rights, and freedoms of naturists everywhere. Its Corporate Partner Programme recognises organisations that make a meaningful contribution to naturist culture, ethics, and community development and we’re thrilled to see Sunfolk included among its partners.
This partnership is a fantastic endorsement of the work being done at Sunfolk. It highlights the site’s role not just as a place to relax and connect with nature, but as an inspiring example of how naturism can thrive in harmony with the environment while building lasting international relationships.
Sunfolk has become a symbol of sustainable naturism and community engagement and this recognition from the INF reinforces its growing international reputation.
You can view Sunfolk’s listing and learn more about the INF Corporate Partner here

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2025 British Society of Magazine Editors Awards

2025 British Society of Magazine Editors Awards

The shortlists for the 2025 British Society of Magazine Editors Awards are out — and BN Magazine has been recognised in not one, but two categories!
✨ Andrew Welch has been shortlisted for Editor of the Year (Independent Magazines)
✨ Mark Bass has been shortlisted for Cover of the Year

With other nominees including National Geographic, Saga Magazine, and The National Trust, this places BN Magazine among some truly distinguished company.

BN Magazine is the quarterly publication of British Naturism, the UK’s leading organisation for Naturists and Naturist places. Founded in 1964, British Naturism has published the magazine continuously since that time. With a print distribution of 15,000 and a digital edition available for download, it reaches every member and affiliated club across the UK.

While Andrew and Mark are the named nominees, it’s clear that the energy and creativity of the younger members of TheNakedTruth team shine through in the imagery and storytelling that have earned this recognition. Their work as ambassadors is making a real impact.

This shortlisting highlights the growing recognition of our efforts to promote equality, body confidence, and mental health. Naturism is about far more than taking your clothes off — it’s about respect.

Respect for ourselves, for others, and for the freedom to choose how we live and express ourselves, within a culture of mutual acceptance.

These are values sought across all communities, and this is how Naturism continues to gain attention and respect across society.

British Naturism Heads to Sitges for the INF Swimming Gala!

British Naturism Heads to Sitges for the INF Swimming Gala!

Thirty-two swimmers and supporters will be heading to Sitges, near Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, for this year’s International Naturist Federation (INF) Swimming Gala, hosted by the Federación Española de Naturismo (FEN).
BN Sports Officer and team leader Ian Munt shared his excitement ahead of the trip:
The British Naturism team was selected from swimmers who took part in our own UK Naturist Swimming Gala earlier this spring. The INF event brings together naturist swimmers from across Europe in a spirit of friendly competition, community, and shared enjoyment of the naturist lifestyle.
Although the International Swimming Championships will take a break next year, making way for the International Pétanque Competition, there’s even more to look forward to as British Naturism will be proudly hosting that event from 3–5 July 2026!

And before then, you can dive back into the action at home:
🏊‍♂️ Next year’s BN National Swimming Gala and Festival of Sport is set for Saturday 11 April 2026, and booking is now open!

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Inclusion at the Heart of Naturism with Celebrating Black History Month

Inclusion at the Heart of Naturism with Celebrating Black History Month

At British Naturism, we believe naturism is for everyone. At its core, naturism is about freedom, respect, and acceptance — values that go beyond what we look like or where we come from. When we step out of our clothes, we also step away from labels and expectations, meeting one another simply as people. In the UK October marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people, and to reflect on how we can all help create more inclusive, representative communities.
Naturism has the unique power to connect us through shared humanity. It encourages self-confidence, body acceptance, and equality, helping us see beauty in diversity. We know that representation matters, it helps people feel welcome, valued, and seen. That’s why we’re committed to celebrating diversity within our community and supporting conversations that make naturism more accessible to all.
Across the UK and around the world, more people of colour are discovering the joy and liberation naturism brings. Every new voice and perspective strengthens our community and challenges outdated stereotypes.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we also celebrate the diversity that makes our naturism community vibrant and welcoming. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone, regardless of race, background, or body, feels they belong.
Because at its heart, naturism isn’t just about being clothes-free; it’s about being free to be yourself.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It’s No Bra Day in America — which we definitely support (no pun intended). But more importantly, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Many women miss screenings out of embarrassment — one of the tragedies of the cultural modesty we’ve used to trap ourselves. We all have bodies. Half of us are women. Every one of us should be comfortable getting the check-ups we need, regardless of sex.

This is where Naturism can make a real difference to physical health. When we learn to be comfortable in our own skin, we’re more likely to take better care of it.

Even if you don’t convert to Naturism today, at least book that doctor’s appointment. Please. 💗

Camping Insieme Finds Its Home in Tuscany! 🇮🇹

Camping Insieme Finds Its Home in Tuscany! 🇮🇹

We’re thrilled to share an inspiring update from Remi and Sandra, the founders of Camping Insieme, who many of you will remember from their incredible crowdfunding journey to create a new naturist campsite in Italy. While their original plans focused on a different location, their persistence has paid off and they’ve now secured a beautiful property near Florence!
In February 2025 they won the auction of a unique 15-hectare property in Rufina, just east of Florence. A historic farmhouse inhabited since at least 1600, surrounded by olive trees, an overgrown vineyard, breathtaking views, forests full of walking trails and… a private swimming pool overlooking the hills. The buildings exude character and offer space for three charming apartments where guests will soon be able to stay, alongside the small-scale campsite we are going to create.
They’re hoping to get the keys on October 15, and from then on will have plenty of new photos and updates to share.
Remi and Sandra are now preparing to develop their naturist farm-camping (agricampeggio), with renovation work and the creation of camping spots, facilities, and communal areas planned over the winter. They aim to open in spring 2026, with their first full season in summer 2026, an exciting milestone for naturism in Italy!

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