Skip to content

News and Articles

News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism
Show all categories

Certificates of Merit

At British Naturism's 2020 Annual General Meeting, held (virtually) in October) the following Certificates of Merit were awarded. The process will alter for 2021 with members able to nominate recipients (log in required).
 
Dr Victoria Bateman - for her work in promoting equality and respect for women and promoting body confidence. She was a guest on The Forum Live in June - members can download a full transcript of the interview.
 
The British Naturism Northern Ireland team - who have made naturism more available within the Province. They have increased social interaction via Zoom and worked with political influencers. Northern Ireland is now a properly active area within the SANER Region.
 
Will Bryson - for his work in promoting world the World Naked Bike Ride in Bristol and for his concept of naked dining in public restaurants and pubs in the Bristol area with non-naturists attending. The concept has extended beyond Bristol to many other areas of the country.
 
Congratulations to all!
 
 
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
 
 

The Forum Live - dreaming of holidays...

In the The Forum Live production office we're constantly brainstorming ideas for future sessions and working on delivering great guests, stimulating discussions and super Monday night entertainment. We've got a range of fabulous guests and topics coming up in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for announcements....
We also strive for variety and so next Monday we're doing something slightly different, welcoming the members of our volunteer Holiday Advice team and allowing you to ask them your questions via a series of breakout rooms. Mostly it will be about where to go and what to expect rather than  advice on current travel restrictions, but really, anything goes!
The session is free, and open to BN and INF members - book your place now!
 
Photo - thanks to Mel and Awen (advisors for Portugal)

The Gathering 2021 - now booking!

A real live event open for booking! Tickets for British Naturism's SANER (Scotland and North England, including Northern Ireland) region's annual hotel activity weekend - in a brand new location on the Isle of Bute - are now on sale!
The Gathering takes place at the Glenburn Hotel, Rothesay, Bute, over the weekend of 23rd - 26th April 2021. Three nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis plus a whole host of activities and fantastic entertainment throughout your stay.

Find out more about the event and how to book your room over on our dedicated events website...

Online events this week...

It's another packed week for British Naturism online events! 
Pam's Naked Kitchen returns after a summer break and as this week sees the first Sunday of the month, it's time again for the Women Uncovered chat and catch up over a cup of coffee...
There's something on every day - check out the full list and find exercise and fitness, including a number of yoga sessions, meditation, a coffee morning, the ever-popular pub night, The Forum Live interview and dedicated chat sessions for young people, families and book lovers.

The Forum Live: interviewing Erich Schuttauf

Next Monday (26 October) I'm pleased to announce that my guest on The Forum Live will be Erich Schuttauf
Erich serves as the Executive Director of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).  The association advocates for nude recreation throughout North America within such settings as nudist clubs, events and resorts, traditional public lands and beaches, and “your own private backyard.”  
Erich is the editor of a revision to AANR’s Guide to Creating and Managing Clothing Optional Parks and Beaches and the author of two books in the field of employment law.  He is a member of the Florida Bar, a licensed attorney of 25 years in state courts, and also practices within the US federal district court for the Middle District of Florida.  Erich regularly serves as legal counsel, and alternatively as an expert witness, on nudist issues in court matters. He co-authored AANR’s friend of the court brief to the US Supreme Court in the case of City of Erie v. Pap’s A.M., which outlined constitutional parameters for regulating nudity in establishments.  For over two decades Erich has represented nudists in talking to US, Canadian, and worldwide lawmakers at the annual National Conference of State Legislatures. He has appeared as a panelist before the National Recreation Parks Association (NRPA) and as a guest on media ranging from Good Morning America, to The O'Reilly Factor, MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Mathews and To Tell the Truth. 
Reserve your place now
 


 
Main image by Kevin Morris on Unsplash

'Dynamic Dunescape' at Studland

Studland Bay is arguably, Britain's best Naturist beach. The bay in Dorset - with other non-Naturist sections is owned by the National Trust. Nude bathing has a long history there. British Naturism is even represented on the official, National Trust operated, beach users group.
Some major work is planned for the dunes at Studland and Woolacombe. A science project in 2016 discovered that changes in the habitat had led to a significant loss of local wildlife. Numbers of sand lizards and meadow pipits have diminished due to the encroachment of gorse and trees, forcing the creatures to the dunes shrinking edges.
 
The 'Dynamic Dunescape Project' aims to restore the dunes to their former glory as the largest example of 'dune heath' on the south coast. Sponsored by an impressive list of conservation organisations, Natural England, Plantlife, Natural Resources Wales, The Wildlife Trusts, and the National Trust and financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the EU LIFE Programme.
 
The work will include using diggers to recreated areas of bare sandy ground, introducing cattle grazing and removing Carp from 'Little Sea'. But the idea is to encourage people, not to put them off. There will be some fencing to contain the cattle but access to the beach will not be restricted.  All paths will remain open to the public but with gated access.
 
For more information visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay/features/studlands-dynamic-dunes and https://dynamicdunescapes.co.uk/project/dorset/

Announcing the Global Naturist Forum!

British Naturism's online event programme has delighted, engaged, entertained and informed Naturist around the world since it began earlier this year.
Today we are pleased to bring you news of our latest event  - The Global Naturist Forum, the first ever event of its kind.
The Global Naturist Forum is an international conference, hosted online, by British Naturism and will take place over the weekend of 14-15 November 2020. We’re bringing the Naturist world together for a weekend of discussion, sharing and fellowship under the theme of 'Naturism – The Future'.
There will be four separate sessions, each one can be booked individually. We will welcome speakers and panellists from all over the globe.
All sessions are free and open to all. Booking is open now.
Find out more and book your place at events.bn.org.uk/globalnaturistforum. Please also send that link to your Naturist network wherever in the world you may be!
 


 

New online fitness sessions announced!

We're never resting on our laurels - in fact there are so many opportunities for exercise in our online programme we're hardly resting at all!
Following the recent launch of our new GroovX Stix class, we're bringing you TWO new GroovX classes starting next week.
On Monday at 9.30am participate in GroovX Flow - a slow, movement-based class set to relaxing music that helps you get fit and improve your strength, posture and mobility.
On Wednesday at 4pm join in GroovX Gold - perfect if you are slightly older, or recovering from injury, it is low impact, low intensity and features plenty of 70's dance moves.
These new classes join our existing GroovX Stix class on Tuesday at 7.45pm - a fast-paced class using drumsticks to bash out some explosive dance moves.
Check out all the online sessions - interviews, exercise and fitness, meditation, coffee morning, pub night and more. 

Knowing your onions...from your elbow

Think Naturists are hard done by when it comes to images on social media..?
The Gaze Seed Company were hoping to advertise their onion seeds on Facebook but their advert was picked up by the infamous algorithm and flagged as a “product with overtly sexualised positioning” .
The advert included a picture of how Gaze Onion seeds should look once grown, ie, like....onions. Facebook sent the company a message advising them that "Listings may not position products or services in a sexually suggestive manner”.
Gaze had prepared the advert for its spring advertising campaign but after they recovered from the unwarranted rebuff, they reported the faux pas to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and sent some illustrations of what the algorithm might have thought it was seeing. The result was they got a darn site more publicity than the Facebook ad would have given them.
Facebook Canada put their hands up and explained to the National Post “We use automated technology to keep nudity off our apps, but sometimes it doesn’t know a walla walla onion from a, well, you know. We restored the ad and are sorry for the business’ trouble.”
The Facebook algorithms identifies and removes over 40 million items per year. Including pictures of statues and other items of fruit and veg.
 
 
Photo by Lars Blankers on Unsplash

The Forum Live - Interviewing Nick Mayhew-Smith

Next Monday, 19th October our guest will be Nick Mayhew-Smith
A member of British Naturism for 30 years, Nick is an enthusiastic advocate for naturism, a writer and journalist who worked with fellow BN member Mike Betts to produce three guide books about nude beaches and naturist sites for the general public: Bare Beaches (2004), Bare Britain (2005) and The World’s Best Nude Beaches & Resorts (2007). More recently he has been writing about the wilderness and nature, but has remained close to his naturist values and combined the two with his recent book The Naked Hermit (2019), which was shown on a BBC Two television programme this summer.
He was introduced to the idea of naturism by his German aunts as a teenager, and began participating in naturism personally from 18 years old. It has always been central to his life, and indeed Nick’s first job after leaving university was as editorial assistant on H&E magazine. He has served as a director at The White House naturist club, in Surrey, where he has been a member for 23 years. Among other voluntary work for naturism he designed the first version of the BN website in the 1990s, and continues to write for every issue of Naturist Life magazine, edited by former BN president Suzanne Piper.
Through his academic work he has recently become interested in exploring the history and development of naturism in Britain, and has plans to co-author a book on the subject in 2024, partly tying up with the 60th anniversary of CCBN (now British Naturism). He is also starting to explore some of the ethics and philosophy behind naturism.
Make your reservation now 
Not a British Naturism member? Check out all the great things happening and join us!

It Isn’t Rude to be Nude

Here's an interesting thing...it's really healthy and encouraging to see a new children's book by Rosie Haine on the shelves, aimed at overcoming basic body image issues.  With very few words and lots of naked illustrations covering every shape, age, size and gender, this book celebrates bodies, highlighting the differences as well as the similarities between them. Best of all, there is a super introduction to the usually ‘unmentionable’ body parts. Get ready for nipples, willies, body hair and vulvas. As far as ‘normalising’ goes, it doesn’t get much more laid bare than this!
We spoke to Rosie who told us: ‘The themes spring from things I believe in or think about, and reassurances I think I would have liked when I was growing up - but also now, as we never stop changing... It Isn’t Rude to be Nude also comes from an observation that young kids are often naked - it’s a joyful and natural state for them - so they actually know it isn’t rude to be nude!’
The book is available from the Tate Gallery bookshop
 

 
 

The Bare Arms - our virtual pub!

No need for social distancing at our online pub - The Bare Arms. And it's open today at 8pm. Naturists from all over the UK, and beyond, will gather to chat, catch up, discuss, debate - and above all have fun within this special community. 
Check out all our other online events to keep you fit, entertained and sociable - there's something every day!
 
 
Photo by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash

Women in Naturism in the media again...

Donna Price, British Naturism's Women in Naturism co-ordinator certainly keeps the profile high, ably assisted by husband John. Their latest interview has been published far and wide and we know there are more examples to come. So far we've seen it - always lavishly illustrated (even if editors do feel that pixellating certain parts of a normal, everyday naked human is necessary) in walesonline, the Hull Daily Mail, Gloucestershire Live, Lincolnshire Live, inyourarea.co.uk, flipboard.com and comicsands.com. 
You can find out more about the campaign, including many first-person stories from Naturism women about how social nudity enhances their lives, and how to get involved. Members' can also access our Women Special Interest Group and engage with other Naturist women. On the first Sunday of every month we also host a live chat session called 'Women Uncovered'. 

Our new North West Regional Co-ordinator

We’re delighted to welcome a new member to the British Naturism Executive Committee - Amanda Lee - who had been elected to the role of North West Regional Co-ordinator. Here, she introduces herself…
I found Naturism by accident, I had never gone naked, been topless on a beach, walked around the house naked. It had never even registered in my head. By chance a friend who asked if I’d go on holiday, having discovered Naturism working in the Caribbean, and would like to try. I googled a specific part of France, he wanted to try. I googled the wrong thing and as my Grandmother would say, “not on your Nellie!'.
That was late 2017. I started 2018 with a new mind set, after a few turbulent years, I was determined to get my mental health and positive attitude back on track. I read self help guides, and was influenced by those who advised me to 'feel the fear and do it any way' and 'just say yes'.  When a friend mentioned British Naturism, I never knew it existed. Surely it’s too cold in the UK? I was loaned a copy of British Naturism magazine and I asked a million questions. With ‘just say yes' still fresh in my mind, I said 'yes!’.  
A week later, I was at the North West Naturists swim in Manchester, and I haven't looked back!  I was obviously nervous at first, but the warm, non-judgemental welcome into the Worsley community has kept me firmly embedded. I wish I had known about it years ago! From that point, I was hooked, and by June I was a BN member, as I wanted to attend the North West pétanque day - I still can't play, but its never stopped me! This led to club visits, beach days and holidays in Vera Playa. It was suggested that I wrote a blog about my experiences, so other women could see that it was possible and fun! I hadn’t realised that single women under 40, were quite unusual in Naturism, and that my blogs could have a positive influence. 
I joined Blackpool and Fylde Sun Club in the September and signed up for the Alton Towers weekend.  By this point I was very vocal on the BN forum and as asked to write a few words about the weekend for the magazine. I was still staying ‘yes!’.  
The Alton Towers event led to the first event I suggested - gaining the world record for most naked riders on a roller-coaster, followed by a women’s spa day at Liverpool Sun and Air club. I saw a gap in events and things I wanted to do, so I went out and created them.  
I never intended to stand for EC, I had spent my early 20s and 30s on ECs and in boardrooms, as well as a few years in classrooms, I said, ‘never again’,  and each time I said it again!  I said it the first time it was suggested to me! However, our lovely John Rodgers was stepping down after 10 years in the North West and LASER regions, a few weeks before the deadline there were no applications. I spoke to friends, John, some current and previous EC members. I have a voice, my region would be without one. It just made sense to me, I would have also been happy to support anyone else in the role, as I do usually. I thought it might be more paperwork and meetings, but I'll still get a chance to enjoy the events and opportunities I have been, but I know I can be there to encourage more people along the way too.  I would love to see the strong core of women, families and young members be able to grow even stronger. 
My plans are mostly on hold with the current uncertainty of Covid-19, but I hope to still be part of the zoom team, hosting/co-hosting Wednesday's coffee mornings, Friday's pub night and the monthly Women Uncovered session. My main plan is simply to unite people - I’d like everyone to be able to enjoy social nudity as I have. Whether in a club, a swim, on a beach, on a naked hike or just doing their normal everyday routines naked. I want everyone to be able to enjoy Naturism like I do. I've never been a leader, I've always been a motivator, and enabler, my teaching practices instilled in me that to lead and motivate, you need to demonstrate. I hope I show that being active across my region, as well as nationally. When I see and hear positive reports, I want to try, so if I can show that I'm having fun, I hope that encourages others. I now have friends all over the North West, and across the UK, and because of our online events, the world.  The next few years, whilst we are in the unknown world of Covid-19, I think grassroots events will be key. Our national events are amazing,  but we can't have one in each region, every week. What we could have is organised walks, hikes, beach days etc. A drop-in as has been established at St Anne's beach in the summer months, we meet up on a certain day for a picnic, come and go as you like,  or just go in your own time when you like.  It doesn’t have to be a huge event, to be enjoyable.  The beauty of British Naturism is that I've joined with the laws already established and on the side of Naturists, because of the hard work done previously.  I intend to make sure I support the campaigns - including Families and Women in Naturism - to ensure they stay that way and to keep pushing acceptance. I see my friends in the Naturist community part of an extended family. I just wish I'd known about Naturism years ago, and raised my family in a clothes optional world!

The Forum Live - The BN AGM Q&A

Those who attended the online BN AGM on Sunday 4 October will know that the in-depth discussions, ensuing debates and uplifting and informative presentations caused us to run out of time before the Q&A session could begin.
Therefore, we’ve decided that The Forum Live next Monday (12 October) will be dedicated to the session we all missed.
The event is open to all British Naturism members and is expected to last an hour. Questions on any relevant subject will be welcome. To help us manage the session and to provide the best possible answers we would welcome questions in advance, and we will take these first. Subject to time constraints we will take questions on the night as well. If you have a question, please send it to headoffice@bn.org.uk 
 
Photo by Marius Oprea on Unsplash

C4 - My Body My Rules

Channel 4 recently visited British Naturism Sunfolk for the day and met and filmed Pam Fraser
28 year old Pam is a naturist who devotes her life to championing body positivity and female empowerment. We follow Pam at work at a nudist campsite as she helps her fellow naked guests pitch their tents in high winds and reveals the virtues of life with your kit off.
 
 

The Forum Live: BBC World Service

I'm delighted to announce that our guest next Monday (5 October) will be Caroline Steel.
Caroline is a BBC science radio producer. She produces CrowdScience on the World Service, a weekly science show that answers science questions from audience members all over the world. She also produces Bad People, a BBC Sounds true crime podcast. Outside of pandemics Caroline presents explosive science shows on stage for large audiences at the Royal Institution.
The most recent episode of CrowdScience tacked the question, 'Why am I embarrassed to be naked?' Caroline and colleague Anand (pictured) travelled to British Naturism Sunfolk and asked that question of Naturists. You can listen to the programme here.
So, we'll be talking to Caroline about her work at the BBC, how the programmes come together - and her experience of stripping off...
Book your place here!

Our equality and diversity policy - and a new LGBTQ Officer...

A really important area to emerge in the work being undertaken to develop an overall strategy has been how best to take forward issues around equality, diversity and inclusion within British Naturism.
British Naturism has already done much to address issues around equality, diversity and inclusion within the organisation, for example raising awareness of body positivity, mental health, women’s equality, hate crime and anti-discrimination practice within naturism.  Its involvement in research with Dr Keon West and others on body positivity and nudity; publishing articles in the BN Magazine and online; and providing information through radio, TV and newspaper interviews and via social media have all been positive. 
We’ve now produced a draft Equality and Diversity Policy, along with a Code of Practice to demonstrate British Naturism’s commitment to the principles set out in the Policy. It was published to members earlier this week for comment.
Today we are also pleased to welcome Richard Stacey to our growing band of volunteers who choose to contribute their time and expertise for the benefit of other members. Richard joins the team as LGBTQ Officer. This is a new role which will provide British Naturism members and potential members with a point of contact and information for questions relating the LGBTQ community within Naturism – it’s not about setting up a separate group for LGBTQ members.
Richard has some exciting ideas about how to develop his new role over the coming months that he will be sharing. In the meantime, he would be really happy to hear from any members (however they identify) with their suggestions as to how he and the wider team can make our organisation even more inclusive and welcoming than it already is. You can also read his blog.
Richard has been a member of British Naturism since 2018 and has been active in the Eastern Region for much of this time, both as a participant and as an organiser of regional events. Outside of his job in local government he also has lots of other volunteering experience and is a Community First Responder for the Ambulance Service.
richard.stacey@bn.org.uk
Flag photo credit : drahomir posteby on unsplash 

Reminder: online Life Drawing class this weekend!

I'm sure you're checking the schedule every day, but in case not, here is a reminder that our monthly Life Drawing class takes place this Saturday afternoon. Time? 1pm Venue? Your place! Find all the details here.
Our online event programme continues to attract the attention of the outside world with the media especially excited to learn about it and how it led to a huge increase in our membership. There's something every day and don't forget the NEW sessions - Power Yoga, Earth Meditation, Beginners' Fitness and Groove X Stix.
Other classes and sessions include different sessions of yoga, fitness, aerobics, meditation, interviews and discussion in The Forum Live, the naked coffee morning, the naked pub, and chat sessions for young Naturists, Women, and book lovers.

Everyone Together - Spencer Tunick

With virtually no events or mass gatherings having taken place since lockdown began in March, it was a welcome novelty when 220 volunteers stripped off, except for regulation white face-masks, to form an art installation for the renowned American photographer Spencer Tunick at dawn on 12th September. Staged in the grounds of Alexandra Palace in north London, it was carefully organised under strict Covid-19 protocols, with temperature checks on arrival at 4 a.m. and social-distancing throughout. 
With rules introduced less than 48 hours later limiting groups to 30, later reduced to six, there seems no likelihood of any repeat this year. One BN member who took part said that it was strangely the most ‘normal’ thing he’d done for months, and great to be with lots of other people sharing an experience, even though it inevitably did not have quite the same atmosphere and camaraderie normally experienced at such installations. Whilst it was great to strip off and be part of a shared artistic endeavour, there was a keen wind making it hard not to shiver between the three poses, which were then followed by a set-up for couples. 
The whole event was sponsored and organised by Sky Arts, to celebrate the channel moving to be free-to-view, and made press reports on the BBC and most newspapers. 
‘Just so amazing to be able to take part in an art installation that promotes the naked body with all its imperfections and beauty. In the corona 19 crisis to show that the mask and social distancing is possibly under all circumstances and draw attention to the need to wear one attracted me to this project as well.‘
Jan Purnell - who travelled to London from Llantrisant on the edge of the Rhondda valley in Wales.
‘I don't think Spencer Tunick is actively promoting Naturism, although he obviously realises that Naturists are interested in his naked art installations.  As far as I'm aware Mr Tunick celebrates the naked body in all its forms, and doesn't discriminate against anyone.  I am not a Naturist, and I'm actually a bit shy about my body under normal circumstances, but I love Mr Tunick's work.  I consider it a privilege to take part, and share in the experience with so many others.  It makes me feel free, liberated and alive, and I love every minute of it.  I am 70 years of age, and hope,  that I may be blessed to take part in future installations.’
Janet Bucknall - who travelled from Hull, East Yorkshire.
 

 
Documentary photography of Spencer Tunick installation courtesy of the artist.

The Forum Live - the BN Magazine

Next Monday, 28th September, the Forum Live online session will be dedicated to our fully-illustrated, content-packed quarterly publication for members - BN Magazine.
As the magazine editor, I'll be slipping in the 'guest' chair for the evening and hope to be joined by other people who make significant contributions to turning texts, pictures, ideas, news, graphics, research, suggestions, reports, promotions and more, into the beautiful journal that lands every three months on your doormat...please join us. We'll be happy to answer questions too.
Book your place here

A great season comes to a close at British Naturism Sunfolk

It's been a great first summer at our newly-acquired site, British Naturism Sunfolk. When the pandemic hit, we didn't imagine that we'd be able to welcome visitors until 2021, but after a huge amount of hard work and dedication by BN staff, members and others, camping and day visit bookings were taken from the 1st August.
It was an instant hit and we've hosted over 600 people! It's been great to welcome many British Naturism members as well as people new to the notion of clothes-free camping. The way we set up the site and booking enabled loads of people to decide to pop in when they woke up and saw the sun shining, and others to come for the night when they found they were passing close-by. It's also been the perfect retreat for families for a summer staycation!
Sadly, British Naturism Sunfolk closes this weekend so there's only a few more days to make use of it. We're already looking forward to 2021...if you want to be among the first to know what's happening, sign up for our dedicated British Naturism Sunfolk newsletter at the foot of this page.

Lockdown Doesn't Mean Locked In

‘The day before lockdown started, we hiked 15 miles through countryside in various states of undress. We started around 8:30am and finished around 5pm, taking the time to enjoy naked picnicking and a bit of naked paddling in a VERY cold river. Thank goodness we did; it was to be the last day of true freedom for a long time,’ say Sue and Andrew.
What is it about being naked outdoors that brings such joy to those of us enlightened enough and brave enough to try it? And how have we managed maintain that joy under lockdown? Recent research suggests that naturist activities lead to an increase in life satisfaction. To us, like many others who practice naturism, that means being outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight.
Fate smiled on us in three ways: we were working from home, we have a garden, and this springtime, the weather was particularly fine. We had many idyllic tea breaks and lunch breaks sitting naked in the garden. With time on our hands, the weeds stood no chance - their days were numbered. Digging them up with the sun on our bare backs was very satisfying. It warms not just the skin but the soul too. And we could potter around in the dirt without a care in the world about getting our clothes dirty because we were not wearing any.
Prior to lockdown we used to go to a yoga class. It's supposed to be calming but the stress of trying to get there on time and then find a parking space was often counter-productive. Not so when we joined the BN yoga classes online. Although we did need to rearrange the furniture to make room! Other times we avoided the furniture problem by doing naked yoga in the garden. The liberating effects of yoga unencumbered by fabrics, walls or ceilings is the ultimate way to experience it.
Not having to (or being able to) drive places saves a lot of time. This gave us the chance to do some DIY, including dismantling an old armchair to re-purpose its leather upholstery (SO many staples!)
We live close enough to a naturist beach that we can walk there for a bit of sunbathing. It's remote enough that even in the height of summer it's uncrowded. In springtime it's almost deserted. Once it was allowed, we did some exploring using the BN beach guide and checked out other nearby naturist beaches. We've had some glorious days out.
There's nothing quite like a skinny dip. For many people it's their first taste of naturism. We've managed a few dips in the sea at the naturist beach already this year - some of them quite short when the water was still cold. One new thing we've tried recently is river skinny dipping. We were introduced to it by a friend. It's quite different to paddling naked in streams on a hike, or swimming naked in the sea. The technical term, apparently is “swooshing” which means letting the river take you downstream past the scenery. All very easy and fun but you still have to swim about a bit to avoid getting cold. And carry your towel in a waterproof bag as it's a one-way deal.
We like a good hike. Initially we were restricted to short hikes near home and I think by now we know every footpath in our neighbourhood in minute detail. It's especially useful to discover where it's safe to strip off and get some sun on your bum as you walk along.
We celebrated world naked hiking day by hiking in the New Forest with a couple of naturist friends - at a safe distance of course. As we parked and saw the heaving crowds of clothed people our hearts sank, but 200 yards from the car park there was not a soul to be seen on the path ahead. By careful choice of route we walked 10 miles naked with only very brief cover-ups to cross busy roads.
Another day we travelled a little further afield and met up with a couple of friends on the South Downs. They are NatRam members and they led us on a leisurely five mile stroll with beautiful scenery and quite a lot of clothed walkers - who seemed friendly on the whole.
More recently the weather's been a bit wet and windy but then there was a nice calm Saturday and so we got out the canoe and went on the usually quiet river, hoping to do some naked paddling. But oh dear! Everybody else who'd been cooped up in the miserable weather had the same idea. We paddled six miles and only managed less than half a mile naked. Oh well, you win some you lose some.
Necessity is the mother of invention. The necessity of staying close to home, with so many leisure facilities closed, has forced us to invent new ways of having fun. We have discovered that you don't need to jet off to exotic locations or rely on other organisations to amuse you and arrange activities for you. There's a world of fun to be had right on your doorstep if you apply a bit of inventiveness. And the best thing is, most of it doesn't cost you a penny!

The Forum Live - interviewing Brendan Jones

I'm pleased to announce that we go international again next Monday (21st September) and I will be interviewing Brendan Jones, the founder of Get Naked Australia (GNA), a nude internet sensation. There's an article in the latest BN magazine about it which can also be found on this website.
After discovering Naturism by accident Brendan created GNA which grew rapidly to 225,000 followers. He now hopes to rebuild the Naturist culture in Australia and has a passion for promoting naturism amongst younger generations.
Book your place now!
 

Keep Busy with BN!

Don't forget all the wonderful things you can get from the UK's national Naturist organisation...it may be tricky to meet others right now but there is still plenty going on within our virtual, socially-distanced community, including plenty of free content:
Join in our online events - from yoga to a pub night, and interviews to fitness classes. There's something every day! Read over one hundred articles on our news pages about a wide variety of Naturist and Naturist-related subjects Visit goodtimes.bn.org.uk and discover how amazing and vibrant our community is Learn about our many campaigns, including inspiring, first-person stories from Women in Naturism Follow us on social media - we're active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter Sign up for our regular newsletter and get the information straight to your inbox The members' side of our website (login required) is chock-full of interesting stuff. Naturists all over the country are currently discussing and debating a variety of topics - not all related to Naturism - and finding information, viewing event and other images, reading blogs and more.  It also contains a variety of interesting and useful downloads including full copies of BN Magazine back to 2004! It all comes free as part of a British Naturism annual subscription.  Here's a guide on how to log in and use the member's section of the website and a new Quickstart Guide to help you find your way around...

Not a member? It's easy to join...find out how and details of all the benefits you will receive

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Account

Navigation

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.