News and Articles

News and articles about BN and the wonderful world of Naturism

What Really Happens at a Naturist Festival: A First-Time Experience

Doing something new is scary. Your first Naturist event can feel especially daunting.
Last year, we set out to answer the questions of what happens at a Naturist festival and how easy is it to fit in as a newcomer. We did this by following Saoirse through her first festival and capturing her whole experience and reflections in a documentary-style video.
If you are interested in trying Naturism but have always been too worried, or you are thinking of trying a festival but don’t know what to expect, Saoirse’s documentary should answer all the questions you have.

Follow TheNakedTruth on Instagram for more content from Saoirse and the rest of the team.
Or donate to help fund more of these projects.

6.75 million Naturists in the UK

An Ipsos poll recently commissioned by British Naturism reveals that 14% (equating to 6.75 million adults) of people in the UK describe themselves as Naturists or Nudists. A similar poll conducted in 2011 confirmed the figure at 3.7 million (6%).
The fact that Brits are increasingly opting to strip off doesn’t come as a surprise to British Naturism since it reinforces what the organisation already knows – that people of all ages are increasingly turning to healthy, body-positive, clothes-free recreation and enjoying a wide range of live and online events and activities.
Dr Mark Bass, President of British Naturism, said:
‘Attitudes to nudity are changing with taboos and stigma being eroded. Modern society is weighed down by a body confidence crisis and more and more people are discovering the benefits that nudity brings to mental, emotional and physical health by allowing us to reclaim ownership of our identities. When we spend time naked with others we realise that we all have scars and flaws, and that we don’t need to compare ourselves with an airbrushed model. Naturism gives us the freedom to be ourselves and have a lot of fun.’
The results are based on a representative sample of 2,249 people, equally divided between men and women, and evenly spread among age groups from 16 to 75. While the majority of respondents were white, individuals of all ethnicities were well represented.
Skinny-dipping in particular is very popular, with 21% of respondents saying they’ve swum without a costume before.
Other key findings of the Ipsos MORI survey:
39% of adults have taken part in nude recreation such as skinny dipping, sunbathing or visiting a Naturist beach. Respondents were asked on how many occasions, if any, they had been naked in the company of people, including videoconferencing. Over 1 in 5 respondents (22%) said they have done this on at least one occasion in the past 12 months. Participation appears to be higher among young adults than older people, with almost half (47%) of 16-24 year-old respondents having done this at least once in the past 12 months compared with 6% of respondents aged 45 – 75. For media enquiries, including the formal press release, please contact Andrew Welch, BN National Spokesman andrew.welch@bn.org.uk

Image by Nirish Shakya/nizzah.com

Nudefest 2027: Pushing New Boundaries

The UK’s biggest Naturist festival returns to Somerset on 6 July – and 2027 is set to be bigger, faster and more spectacular than ever.
Yes, Nudefest is back. And after reaching capacity in 2026, we are pushing the boat out in 2027 to set a whole new standard for Naturist festivals.
Last year proved that major names in entertainment are more than happy to perform at a Naturist festival. This year we are going even bigger, with Showaddywaddy joining us as our headline act on Saturday night.
But that is only one part of the story.
More parties, more entertainment, more to look forward to
One of the biggest talking points from last summer was the Ibiza Foam Party on Friday night. It was such a success that there was never any question about bringing it back – and this time we are turning things up another notch.
The foam is returning, with Kevin & Perry Go Large taking to the decks for Friday evening.
Wednesday night will once again bring the ever-popular comedy night, this time featuring three new acts. And that is just the start. Each evening will have its own character, giving you a different experience as the week unfolds.
In fact, some of the acts appearing earlier in the week would have been headline acts at previous Nudefests. That gives you a pretty good idea of how far the festival has come and how much we are raising the bar for 2027.

Full speed from day one
Perhaps the biggest change for 2027 is something you will notice before the entertainment even starts.
Previously, arrivals were spread across two days. That meant the first part of the festival was inevitably a gradual build-up, with the event really hitting its stride once everyone was on site.
Not this time.
For 2027 there will be a single arrival day on Tuesday, meaning that we can come out of the blocks at full speed. From the moment the festival begins, the programme will be running at full strength, with no waiting for the party to get started.
And it isn't just the evenings that are getting bigger.
The daytime programme continues to grow, with the sports, crafts and live music that have become such an important part of the Nudefest experience all returning, alongside new opportunities to get involved, relax and enjoy yourself.
Meanwhile, those who follow Thorney Lakes on social media will have seen the investment taking place around the site. Renovation work is well underway, so we are expecting the venue to look better than ever when the gates open.
Your festival, your choice
We also know that everyone wants something slightly different from their festival accommodation, so we have continued to focus on choice.
Camping and caravan pitches are available with or without electric hook-up. We have also changed our approach to pitching, so if you want a bigger pitch, you can have one.
The principle is simple: you choose what you need and don't pay for what you don't.
And if camping isn't your thing, glamping is also available, providing a ready-made shelter and sleeping equipment so you can simply arrive and enjoy the festival.
But what is Nudefest really like?
For anyone who hasn't experienced Nudefest before, the obvious question is: what is it actually like to be there?
Perhaps the best people to answer that are those who were there last year.
“For us, the daytime was a chance to relax, enjoy the many talented musicians on the Bar Stage, and socialise with a local beer.”
“Friday night’s Ibiza Anthems Foam Party brought out the younger side of many partygoers, especially dancing around in the ever-increasing amounts of foam!”
“The vibe and feeling in the big tent was absolutely riveting and amazing!”
“In 2026, the planets aligned for me to book, and this turned into a life-changing experience in the most positive and affirming way. It was beyond my wildest expectations.”
“I left feeling younger than my time so far on this small blue dot we call Earth.”
That is Nudefest. It is the music, the comedy, the parties and the activities. It is the freedom of spending a few days surrounded by people who share your outlook. It is relaxing in the sunshine, joining in with something completely new, dancing until late or simply sitting with friends and enjoying the atmosphere.
And in 2027, we are going to make it bigger than ever.
Will you be there?
Bookings are already coming in strongly and, although we are planning for increased capacity, Nudefest has reached capacity before. If you know you want to be there, there is no reason to wait.
Early bird pricing is currently available and will run until the Christmas period. Standard pricing will return in the new year, so booking now not only secures your place but also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the early bird price.
So there is really only one question left.
Will you be there?
We certainly hope so.
Secure your place at Nudefest 2027 now and be part of the biggest Nudefest yet.

Are You in the Know?

Are you in the know? Do you have your finger on the pulse of Naturism?
Whatever your answer, this is a story for you.
Getting Information
Every week, we share information through several different channels. The news stories you are reading are one. Our regular newsletters and eZine are another.
The eZine is the easiest way to keep up with the highlights from the past week, bringing a handy selection of news, stories and opportunities directly to your inbox. It is a resource that everyone would be wise to sign up for.
The regional newsletters are different. They contain more depth and detail, with a particular focus on what is happening in your part of the country. That makes it much easier to spot events and activities that are close enough to be of interest.
Of course, most of us don't sit still! While it makes sense to sign up for the region where you live, you can also subscribe to any other region you choose. If you enjoy travelling around the UK, signing up to all of them could be worthwhile.
Even if you prefer to stay closer to home, there can be a good reason to follow more than one. Most of us don't live plum centre of a region, and the closer you are to a boundary, the more likely it is that an event in a neighbouring region could actually be closer than one at the other end of your own.
Take a look at the regional map and see whether there are additional newsletters you could subscribe to.

Sharing Information
We do our best to find and share the interesting stories, but there will always be things we don't know about. You can help change that.
Have you been to an interesting event? Why not share your experience?
We are already looking to include more personal reports in the magazine, and it would be great to do the same through our online news. When we are deciding as individuals whether to try something new, we want to know not only the practical details, but what it actually feels like to be there.
Event organisers do a great job of explaining the mechanics: where to go, when to arrive and what to expect. But it is the people who attend who can tell us what the experience is really like.
Perhaps you have written something particularly insightful on the forum. If it received a great reaction or inspired other members, why not help us share that thought more widely through a news story?
Your contribution doesn't have to be an event report. It could be an opinion, an observation, an analysis or simply something you think other members would find interesting.
If you have a story to tell, send your thoughts to marketing@bn.org.uk.
Some contributions may become news stories. Others might find their way into BN Magazine.
Our Organisation
At the heart of all this is the point we have been focusing on recently: we are a community, this is our organisation, and everybody's view matters.
So, if you haven't already, sign up for the eZine and your regional newsletters.
If you have a story to tell, submit it.
And together, let's keep sharing, listening and making British Naturism even better.

Paying Tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen

We were very sad to hear of the passing of Dame Esther Rantzen this week.
Rising to television fame as the presenter of That’s Life!, Dame Esther became perhaps even better known for her campaigning and charity work. Her work founding Childline, challenging the abuse of children wherever it might occur, set a standard that the rest of us can only aspire to and changed countless lives. She later founded Silver Line to support older people experiencing isolation and loneliness, and subsequently became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying and the right of people to determine their own destiny. Across all these causes, her work touched the lives of countless people.
The reason British Naturism is paying tribute to her, however, is her openness and positive attitude towards the human body.
Throughout her life and career, Dame Esther was happy to have her name associated with Naturism. She spoke on many occasions about her own experiences of outdoor nudity and the benefits that such an attitude could bring. She celebrated both her 50th and 80th birthdays by running naked around her garden. On one occasion, she explained:

“Clothes rarely make me feel wonderful because I always know that other people would look better than me in whatever it is, if it’s nice."
It was the down-to-earth honesty of her approach to Naturism that set her apart. There was no pretence and no fanfare. Unlike many celebrities who have engaged with nudity, she did it simply because she wanted to. And her explanation of why was equally honest:

“You must try it, it just feels completely different, you haven’t got the sweaty bits where your clothes are overheating you, you haven’t got the bit where the straps cut into your flesh.”
This is exactly the message that we all know, but which we sometimes struggle to make heard.
She was similarly upfront about the negative judgement that Naturists can sometimes encounter:

“Really, if someone doesn’t like the sight of you in the nude all they have got to do is turn around and look at something else.”
If only we could all be so matter-of-fact about the human body, the world would be a much better place.
So we pay tribute to Dame Esther. There has never been another quite like you, and probably never will be.
Thank you for being so open, so honest and so wonderfully matter-of-fact about something that should never have needed defending in the first place.

Photograph: Andrew Parsons, National Archive

Experiencing Naturism as a Wheelchair User

What does Naturism mean when you experience the world from a wheelchair?
For one Naturist, the answer is surprisingly complex. Naturism has always represented freedom: freedom from clothing, from social expectations and, perhaps most importantly, from some of the self-consciousness that can come with living in a world that often places expectations on how our bodies should look and function.
But for a wheelchair user, reaching that freedom can sometimes require navigating a few more obstacles first.
Many Naturist venues are wonderfully situated in natural surroundings, but uneven ground, gravel, sand, slopes and inaccessible facilities can turn a relaxing day out into a carefully planned exercise. And accessibility is about much more than whether a wheelchair can physically get through a doorway. The position of the door, the space needed to manoeuvre, the design of toilets and showers, and the ability to use facilities independently can all make a significant difference.
There is also another, less visible, dimension to accessibility: how it feels to enter a Naturist environment when your disability is immediately apparent.
Being unclothed can make anyone feel vulnerable. For a wheelchair user, there can be an additional concern that people will notice the wheelchair before they notice the person. Yet Naturism can also offer something remarkably liberating. Without clothes to signify status, appearance or conformity, the wheelchair can gradually become simply another part of the person sitting in it.
For this Naturist, that experience has brought not only practical challenges but also confidence, comfort and a renewed sense of belonging.
His story also demonstrates why listening to disabled members matters. At his own club, being consulted about accessibility has made a practical difference and has reinforced something equally important: the feeling that he belongs and that his experience is valued.
Disability takes many forms, and no single person's experience can represent everyone. But this personal account raises important questions for all of us about what it really means for Naturism to be for everybody.
Read the full article, Experiencing Naturism as a Wheelchair User, in the latest issue of BN magazine, available exclusively to members.

Not a member yet?
The magazine is just one of the benefits of joining British Naturism. Membership gives you access to our regular magazine packed with Naturist stories, features, advice and inspiration, alongside a whole range of other benefits and opportunities to get involved in the Naturist community.
Join British Naturism today and discover everything membership has to offer.

All-Member Survey: Our Digital Presence

Over the past month, we have been taking a deep dive into the outcomes of our All-Member Survey. First, we looked at what members value most about British Naturism and discovered an incredible level of positivity, alongside the importance of community and that shared sense of belonging. Then we turned our attention to BN Magazine, recognising the importance members place on the printed edition, celebrating how well the magazine is received and considering how we can make it even better.
This week, we turn to our digital presence, and specifically what members have told us about the British Naturism homepage.
What do members use the homepage for?
The homepage is clearly an important part of how members interact with British Naturism.
More than a third of respondents said they visit the homepage every week, while 88% visit it at least a few times a year. That puts the homepage almost on a par with BN Magazine in terms of reach.
But knowing that people visit is only half the story. The more interesting question is why they visit. And the answers provide some very clear pointers.
Finding an event
The most popular reason members gave for visiting the homepage was to find an event.
This may be the most instructive finding in the whole survey.
At present, event bookings aren't prominently featured on the homepage. In other words, there is a disconnect between what members are coming to the site to find and what the homepage currently makes easiest to discover. That gives us a very direct action point.
If people visit the homepage because they want to find something they can do, we need to make those opportunities much easier to find.
Reading the news
The second most popular reason was to read news stories. This is something the homepage already does fairly well, so it is important that we protect this functionality as we consider any redesign.
Finding somewhere to visit
The third most popular reason was to find somewhere to visit. Again, this reveals an obvious opportunity. Links to venues and places where people can enjoy Naturism, including Sunfolk, are not currently as prominent on the homepage as this finding suggests they should be.
That gives us another relatively simple action point: make opportunities to practise Naturism easier to discover.
Making opportunities easier to find
These findings become particularly interesting when considered alongside what we have learned from the rest of the survey. Members have told us that they value community and belonging. They have told us that supporting and promoting Naturism is one of the primary reasons they value their membership. They have told us that events and activities matter.
And behind all of those things are opportunities to actually participate in Naturism.
Our volunteers work incredibly hard to create those opportunities and the role of our website should be to make those opportunities easy to find.
That is perhaps the simplest conclusion we can draw from this part of the survey. And it has already led to a decision.
A new homepage
As a direct result of this feedback, redesigning the British Naturism homepage has become a priority.
Our aim is to deliver that redesign by the end of the year, creating a homepage that better reflects what members and visitors actually want to find. The survey has given us a very useful starting point.
We asked members how well the homepage communicates different aspects of British Naturism. There was good news here too. Scores indicated that the homepage already does a good job of explaining what Naturism is and why people might find it appealing.
However, how to join British Naturism scored lowest, falling well behind the other areas we asked about, and that matters.
Joining is an important stepping stone towards participation, so the route from discovering British Naturism to becoming part of it should be clear and obvious, and will be addressed in the redesign.
What do members want to see?
As with so much of the survey, the free-text questions provided some of the most useful insights. We asked members what they would like to see highlighted on the homepage. By analysing the responses for recurring themes, we were able to identify several clear priorities.
Events and opportunities
This was the most popular request, directly reinforcing the findings from the structured questions. Members want the homepage to help them discover things they can actually do.
Events, activities, venues and other opportunities to participate should therefore be much more visible. This provides particularly strong evidence for making the homepage more effective as a gateway to participation.
Representation
The second-largest theme was representation of all groups. There was considerable variation in the responses about which groups are currently under- or over-represented. That makes it difficult, and probably unhelpful, to conclude that any particular demographic should simply be given greater prominence.
The more useful conclusion is broader. The homepage should present an authentic picture of the breadth of the Naturist community.
The visual message we should be aiming for is simple:
“People like me are Naturists too.”
That means showing the diversity of people who make up British Naturism and ensuring that nobody visiting the website feels that Naturism is something intended for somebody else.
The third most common request was for clear explanations of Naturism and British Naturism and the structured survey questions already showed that members think the homepage performs well. Therefore, this isn't an instruction to make dramatic changes, it is a reminder that this information is important and needs to remain prominent as the homepage evolves.
Members and newcomers: two audiences
One of the more interesting observations from the survey is that long-standing members and people who are new to Naturism are likely to have quite different information needs. That makes sense. Someone who has been a member for many years may be looking for a particular event, club or piece of news. Someone discovering Naturism for the first time may want to know what Naturism actually means, whether they will fit in, what to expect and how to get started.
We need to recognise both audiences. That may mean developing different supporting pages, journeys or resources, allowing us to provide the right information to the right people without overwhelming either group. The challenge will be making sure those different routes are easy to find and clearly signposted.
Time to get to work
This part of the survey provides perhaps the clearest action points we have encountered so far.
Members are using the homepage. They are coming to it to find events, read news and discover places to visit. They want to see opportunities to participate, a genuine representation of the Naturist community and clear information about Naturism and British Naturism. And they have told us that finding out how to join could be easier.
None of this means that everything about the existing homepage is wrong. Quite the opposite. The survey tells us that some things are already working well. But it does tell us where we can make it more useful, more intuitive and more effective at connecting people with the opportunities that British Naturism and its members create.
That is exactly what we wanted the survey to achieve: not just opinions, but evidence that helps us make better decisions.
So, we have the evidence.
We know what members want.
We know where the opportunities are.
And now there is only one thing left to say:
Time to get to work.

Woodlandia Returns: Bringing the Heat

Woodlandia is back for 2027. We will be returning to the banks of Windermere, but there is one big difference: we are moving to the height of summer.
Fell Foot Wood is a spectacular, back-to-nature location, with wild camping and space for small motorhomes tucked into the many nooks and crannies on the side of the fell. We are heading there from 30 July to 2 August, at the peak of summer, allowing us to make the most of the location. Plans are already developing to do just that.
There are plans for a walk to High Dam Tarn and a large-scale skinny dip. If next summer is anything like the last two, we may well need a dip in the tarn simply to cool off under the tree cover.
As you would expect from a back-to-nature weekend, there will also be opportunities to reconnect through activities such as yoga or meditation.
It wouldn’t be a British Naturism event without evening entertainment, and you can be sure that it will match the mood of the surroundings and the weekend. The central barn provides a venue for the bar, stocking local ales, as well as shelter should we need it. But at this time of year, we expect to open up the side of the barn and enjoy the evenings outside, dancing under the trees. As one visitor last year said:
“I particularly enjoyed the evening campfire with the chance to roast marshmallows and drink the locally brewed cider and ales, whilst serenaded by nightly entertainment.”
Barry’s rituals are already the stuff of legend. Don’t take them too seriously: they are purely pantomime. But if you are fortunate enough to get involved in a little faux spiritualism, you won’t forget it.
But the headline attraction is still something of a secret. Building on the success of last year, we will be returning to the waters of Windermere and taking full advantage of the largest lake in England. This opportunity is unique to Woodlandia, so if you are looking for something different, this is your chance.
For more insight into the Woodlandia experience, check out one of the previous photo galleries here.
Secure your place today.

Return of The Big Quiz Online

The end of summer can mean only one thing: The Big Quiz is back!
Filling your social calendar while teaching you things you will never need to know, The Big Quiz is the perfect online opportunity to socialise without all the driving.
Very few of the many online Zoom sessions that started during the COVID-19 pandemic have had the enduring popularity to keep running year after year, but The Big Quiz is certainly one. Although it is hosted by the Northern Ireland team, the weekly quizmasters come from around the UK (and beyond), meaning that you will get a different style of questions and level of difficulty every week. For Friday’s relaunch, Robin is our quizmaster, so expect music and money to appear somewhere.
The one thing that is consistent from week to week is the camaraderie and welcome that you will receive. You don’t need to know people or come with a team; just join the session and you will fit right in. Bring your favourite beverage and join in with the quiz and the surrounding chatter.
The session starts at 7:30 pm each Friday, with the first one on 2 October. As you would expect from a British Naturism event, the dress code is entirely at your discretion. So, if you need to wrap up against the chill, that’s fine, or feel free to throw yourself into the spirit and strip off.
Updates on the weekly quizmaster and joining instructions can be found on our members’ forum here:
Virtual Quiz Night

See you there!

NOW YOU SEE IT... NOW YOU DON'T... AND THAT'S NOT JUST CLOTHES!!

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Freddie Mercury’s words might have been going through the minds of British Naturism members at the Museum of Illusions in September. That might have been their thoughts as they appeared to hang upside down outside 10 Downing Street… totally naked, of course. It might also have looked odd as they sat on top of an old-fashioned red phone box.
These and many more were some of the illusions that we were treated to on the night. The Vortex Bridge looked totally innocuous as you started crossing it. “What’s the fuss about?” I thought as some psychedelic kaleidoscope patterns moved around the walls. And then it was, “Whoa… why am I going upside down and having to grip the handrails tightly?” The illusion was amazing, but some went back for more. Matt said, “I spent a chunk of time there trying to conquer it.” Tony commented, “My favourite, though, has got to be the Vortex. Very disorienting, but great fun. I kept going back for another go.”
For many, it was the social aspect of the evening that made it a success. “An absolutely fantastic experience in the museum, meeting and chatting with lots of different people,” said BathNude on the forum. Perhaps the most pleasing comment came from David, a new member.
“I attended my first British Naturism event last night at the Museum of Illusions. It was amazing. I am sorry if I didn’t speak to many people. Given it was my first event, a mixture of nerves and venturing into the unknown made me quieter than normal. Even with that, everyone there was so friendly, polite and considerate it made me join as a member!”
And that summarises what makes our events so good.
The illusions worked at different levels, making us look big, small or just plain silly or funny. What made the event special for many was the need to cooperate with others. It’s not easy to take selfies and get good results. It meant lots of people who’d never spoken to each other were helping to get just the right shot… then having a good laugh at the result. On one exhibit, your head appeared to be on a plate, which was funny, but then having someone in shot with a spoon took it to a different level.
The old Harry Worth trick (you need to be over 60 to understand this one) of standing half hidden by a mirror gave you two heads, made you appear to have a third leg and, on occasion, an extra penis!! You had to laugh. Try it next time you’re at the shops (but dressed, please!) when you can see a glass wall at right angles.
I love all types of museums, but my favourite ones have a large dollop of interaction. This place had interaction at its centre, and what I discovered is that Naturists have a very healthy streak of creativity. Check out the British Naturism Galleries and you can find the work of our group in the Official and Members’ galleries. With many of the features, there were so many ways to make it look good, as you’ll see.
A quick thank you is needed here for Mark, our official photographer. He did a wonderful job, being helpful rather than obtrusive, and his gallery is brilliant. I also need to thank the lovely lady who saw me struggling to check in 106 people and give out the right wristbands. I forget her name, but she was superb, even though she was probably keen to start her journey round the museum.
When I did my preparatory visit on my own, I probably took forty-five minutes to go through. Being in a group slows you down hugely, but in a good way, with people comparing ideas and being experimental. As people came up the escalator, I saw lots of very serious faces and I really wondered how it would turn out. Maybe it was the glasses of Prosecco we gave out that changed things, but as I left the check-in for the galleries, there was a transformation. There were naked, chatting, smiling and laughing people everywhere. The other surprise for me was that people had travelled from Bath, Bristol, Eastbourne and many other distant places.
It would have been a real anticlimax if the story had ended there, but thanks to Martin, the Pimlico booze researcher, fifty of us headed for the Ship Pub. Landlady Tanya had been smooth-talked by Martin into giving us a room for the evening. His clever sales talk was basically, “We have a group of friends who want to meet up for the night. They’re well behaved and drink a lot!” What landlady could resist that? As she was smiling and agreeing, Martin gave the punchline. “Oh, by the way… we’ll all be naked.”
Well done, Martin. Tanya is a lovely pub landlady, straight from the cast of EastEnders, and agreed to give it a go. Her pub is a real pub that’s an independent. It probably hasn’t changed décor-wise for decades, but it’s lovely. Our room upstairs might have been bland and plain, but no… it had a bar and was just right. It was a pretty tight squeeze with 50 people, but made for a cosy, vibrant atmosphere. I loved it!!
The last word goes to Streatham Guy from the forum: “Really enjoyed last night. I can only wish there were more Naturist events in London!”
The good news, Streatham Guy, is we’re working on it. There’s pottery in Twickenham in November and a music pub quiz in December. Also, every week there’s a naked swim in Watford… and Martin and myself have more ideas in the pipeline.

Freedom from Fashion

We all know that fashion changes. That is, after all, rather the point. When those changes simply refresh the world and make it more exciting, that is fine. But when they start influencing our opinions about what bodies should look like, and in turn affecting people’s mental and physical health, that is when we need to sit up and take notice.
Different colours become fashionable. In the era of the Roman Empire, purple was the most prestigious imperial colour because Tyrian purple dye was made from rare Murex sea snails, making it extremely expensive and a powerful symbol of status. Today, changes in fashionable colours are driven more by trends than practical limitations and, for the most part, they are harmless.
However, changes in expectations about what is desirable, or even acceptable, in terms of body shape can have much greater implications.
I’m sure you remember the “heroin chic” aesthetic of the 2000s, when appearing extremely thin was held up as the height of style. In the 2010s, plus-size models became more visible, and larger, more natural bodies appeared more frequently in fashion magazines and advertising. Recently, however, there seem to be signs of a retreat from that greater diversity. At New York and Milan Fashion Weeks, skinny silhouettes have once again dominated the runway for both men and women, sending a familiar message: that the smallest body is somehow the most desirable.
These aren't just casual impressions. The statistics illustrate the problem. The Vogue Business Size Inclusivity Report for 2026 found that just 0.3% of models were categorised as plus-size and 2.1% as mid-size. That leaves 97.6% in the thinnest-size category. Numbers like that are difficult to ignore.
Such figures exert an influence that extends far beyond the catwalk. In research cited by the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee, 61% of respondents reported feeling negative or very negative about their body image most of the time. That is a remarkable proportion of the population carrying some degree of dissatisfaction with the way they look.
So why is British Naturism talking about Fashion Week?
Because fashion can apply pressure to look a particular way, and that pressure can make people anxious when they feel they don't meet the latest ideal. Escaping those psychological pressures means questioning the expectation that we should all look a certain way, and that we should dress in ways that reinforce it.
Naturism offers the ultimate escape from expectations about the wardrobe. We choose whether we wear clothes at all. No clothes, no need to wear the right clothes.
So, is Naturism the solution to the body-image pressures created or reinforced by the fashion industry? For some people, perhaps. But we don't need everyone to become a Naturist for Naturism to make a difference.
Simply demonstrating that we place no reliance on fashion, and that we can be comfortable without clothes, gives other people an opportunity to question their own reliance on appearance and clothing. They may never become Naturists, but if they can escape some of the pressure to conform to constantly changing expectations, they may feel more comfortable with themselves as a result.

BN Magazine: Looking to the Future

Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring the findings of our all-member survey.
We began by looking at what people seek from British Naturism and what they find here, identifying the importance of community and belonging. Last week, we turned our attention to BN Magazine and discovered that it is the tangible membership benefit that members use and appreciate most.
That positive view tells us that BN Magazine is already a strong product. But a strong foundation is precisely that: something to build on.
So this week, we're looking at what members would like to see more of in the magazine and where there are opportunities to make it even more interesting, useful and relevant.
Looking for change?
One of the free-text questions asked:
“What would make BN Magazine more interesting or useful?”
Because members could answer in their own words, this gave us an opportunity to see what people really thought without suggesting particular answers.
The strongest response, by some margin, was simply that members were happy with the magazine as it is. That response appeared twice as often as any other. This is entirely consistent with what we discovered last week: BN Magazine achieved the highest satisfaction score of any aspect of membership.
The message is therefore quite clear:
Members aren't asking for a revolution. They are asking us to build on something that already works.
That is an important distinction. Any changes we make need to preserve the qualities that members already appreciate while finding ways to make the magazine even more useful and engaging.
Opportunities for adjustment
We also presented members with a list of magazine features and asked whether they would like to see more, less or the same amount of each. To make the results easier to compare, we calculated a weighted average, with “more” scoring 3 and “less” scoring 1. A score of 2 therefore represents the point at which members are, on average, asking us to keep things as they are.
The good news was that every feature scored above 2.
In other words, there was no significant call for any of the features to be removed. There were, however, some clear favourites.

More travel
Travel reports achieved the highest score.
The free-text responses give us some useful context about what members mean by travel. It isn't simply a request for more stories about exotic destinations abroad. Members are equally interested in UK trips, excursions, holiday ideas, reviews and first-hand experiences.
The message seems to be less about where people travel and more about helping others discover places, experiences and opportunities for themselves.
More regional news
Regional news also scored highly, providing an interesting connection with the desire for more travel coverage.More regional information gives members greater opportunities to discover what is happening closer to home, including places to visit, activities to join and Naturist opportunities across the UK.
And this is an area where we have already started responding. Regular readers may have noticed that the amount of regional information has doubled over the last two issues. That change actually began before we had the survey results, but the responses provide strong confirmation that this is an area worth developing further.
More personal stories
Also in the top four was a request for more personal stories. This is perhaps the feature that ties many of the other requests together.
Members don't just want to know about destinations, events and activities. They want to hear from the people who experienced them. What was the trip really like? What happened at the event? What did someone discover? How did they first become involved in Naturism? What difference has it made to their lives?
These stories bring information to life.
And, perhaps unsurprisingly, they take us right back to one of the strongest conclusions from the survey as a whole: what matters most is community and the people who make it up.
More campaigning and promotion of Naturism
The fourth of the most-requested areas was campaigning and the promotion of Naturism. Again, this fits neatly with what we have already learned.
Supporting Naturism was one of the primary reasons members gave for valuing their membership. They clearly want to understand what British Naturism is doing to promote Naturism, support its acceptance and address the issues that affect our community. The magazine has an important role to play in explaining that work and showing members why it matters.
Getting into the detail
The free-text responses also revealed some additional themes that weren't captured by the structured questions.
One particularly useful request was for more information about events before they happen, including practical advice from people who have attended previously. What should you take? What is the event really like? What can a first-time visitor expect? Is there anything you wish you'd known before you went?
These are questions we already see being asked regularly on the Forum, so it isn't surprising to find the same demand appearing in the survey. It is also something we can address. Better advance information, combined with first-hand accounts from previous attendees, could make it easier for members to take that first step and participate.
So, what comes next?
The survey gives us a useful set of observations and, importantly, some practical actions.
1. BN Magazine works.
There is no call for a complete overhaul or wholesale removal of features. The opportunity is refinement: building on what already works.
2. Make the magazine more visibly member-led.
Personal stories, experiences, photographs and contributions from members can help make the magazine feel even more like a reflection of our community.
3. Increase travel coverage, both in the UK and abroad.
Members want ideas, reviews and first-hand experiences that inspire them to explore.
4. Continue developing regional and club coverage.
More local stories can help members discover opportunities across the country and strengthen their connection with the wider Naturist community.
5. Build on campaigning and advocacy coverage.
Explain what we are doing, why particular issues matter and providing updates.
6. Expand event coverage.
Give members more information before events, as well as reports and personal experiences afterwards, helping people decide what they might like to try for themselves.

A magazine that brings our community together
When we put all of this feedback together, a clear picture emerges.
Members aren't asking BN Magazine to become something completely different. They want it to do more of what makes it valuable already. They want stories about people. They want ideas and experiences that will help them find an opportunity to be involved.
Put simply:
BN Magazine should inspire members to participate and help them feel part of the Naturist community.
That brings us full circle.
We joined British Naturism to find a community where we are welcomed. BN Magazine has the opportunity to help make that community visible, accessible and engaging for everyone.
The survey has shown us where we can take it next.And we're looking forward to building on that strong foundation together.

NKD 2027: Book Now for an Experience You Won’t Forget

Our biggest festivals of the year are back – and bookings are already moving fast!
NKD, our flagship Naturist festival for 18–50-year-olds, returns from 29 May to 2 June 2027, and excitement is already building. Last year, we effectively filled the venue, and with other Naturist events selling out, there is every reason to secure your place early.
There are still camping, glamping and some campervan spaces available, but fixed accommodation has already sold out, a clear indication of just how quickly places are being snapped up.
So, what are people booking for?
NKD is four days of movement, music, relaxation, adventure and pure festival joy, all in a welcoming Naturist environment where you can be yourself, meet new people and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
Your ticket includes a packed programme featuring:
Yoga and wellness sessions
A naked waterpark outing
Live entertainment
Evenings around the fire pit under open skies
The legendary Holi paint fight
Silent discos and DJ sets that go late
Sauna sessions to unwind and reset
Outdoor games, crafts and group activities
Relaxed social spaces and woodland walks
And plenty more surprises waiting on site
But while the activities are a big part of NKD, it is the people and the atmosphere that really make the festival special.
Those who joined us in 2026 had plenty to say about their experience:

“NKD 2026 was far more than just a festival. It was a week full of freedom, friendship and genuine togetherness.”
“It was really heartwarming to be around such body neutrality.”
“One of the event’s best qualities is that you can enjoy it however you want – doing as much or as little as you’d like.”
“NKD reminded us what Naturism is truly about.”
And if you want to hear more about what NKD can mean to someone experiencing Naturism for the first time, you can listen to Saoirse's reflections following her first Naturist experience at the festival.
Whether you are already planning your return or have been wondering what NKD is all about, 2027 could be the year you discover it for yourself.
With fixed accommodation already sold out and spaces continuing to be booked, now is the time to secure your place.
Book NKD 2027 now and get ready for an experience you won’t forget!

North East Skinny Dip: A Celebration of Life

Yesterday morning at dawn, 1,300 naked people ran into the sea for the North East Skinny Dip.
Since it began in 2012, the NESD has brought together hundreds of people each year to raise money for the mental health charity Mind. The event has now raised more than £200,000, while giving thousands of people the opportunity to experience skinny dipping and social nudity without any expectation or commitment beyond the day itself.
Although we awarded founder Jax Higginson a Certificate of Merit for her work in 2019, the NESD is not a Naturist event. It is something much simpler: a chance to do something different, have some fun and raise money for an important cause. Perhaps avoiding the labels is part of the secret of its success. There is no commitment and no expectation; it is simply something a little crazy to do on the day of the Autumn Equinox each year.
Jax describes it as a celebration of life:
“Everyone has their own personal experience, but it's a celebration of life, nature, and humanity - it's an opportunity to let go and be present.”
While she wants the positive effect of accepting our bodies to be an important part of the experience, the broader focus on mental health runs throughout the event:
“The more we talk about our mental health and illnesses, the more we share our struggles and healing practices, the more we can break the stigma around them and save lives.”
So, well done to Jax for another outstanding event, and to everyone involved in making it happen. No doubt we will see you all again next year.

Autumnal Solutions

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have reluctantly accepted that autumn is now with us. The evenings are drawing in, the temperature is dropping and the need to start wrapping up warm is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
For Naturists in the UK, it’s the seasonal conundrum we know all too well: how do you stay warm without compromising your Naturist credentials?
Fortunately, Ironic Clothing has the answer. The latest additions to the range are designed to keep you toasty while making it clear that, underneath it all, you’ve still got Nothing on!
The new “I’ve Got Nothing on Later” hoodie perfectly captures the autumn mood. It says cosy, comfortable and ready for the colder weather, while making it clear that once you’re home, the fire is lit and the day is done, those layers won’t be staying on for long.
Then there’s the “Nudist on a Break” hoodie. Yes, the season may mean getting dressed, but that doesn’t mean you’ve stopped being a Naturist. Sometimes you just have to take a temporary break from being naked!
Both new designs are also available as T-shirts, while the wider range includes hoodies featuring Sunfolk, British Naturism and Nothing’s Better designs.
And if you’re looking for something to complete your autumn wardrobe, we’ve got you covered there too. The British Naturism beanie provides a suitably warm alternative to your summer cap, while the British Naturism umbrella is on hand for those occasions when the British weather inevitably does its worst.
So don’t let the arrival of autumn get you down. Wrap up, stay warm and keep your Naturist credentials proudly on display.
So don’t worry about the arrival of autumn, we’ve got you covered!

One Last Big Weekend – The Gathering 2026

Think the Naturist season is over? Think again!

There’s still one big weekend to come in 2026, and The Gathering in Stirling, 30 October – 2 November, is shaping up to be the perfect way to round off the year.

For four days, the King Robert Hotel becomes our home as we escape the autumn chill and turn up the heat with great company, entertainment, dancing and a whole lot of Halloween fun.

🎃 Halloween, Naturist style

With The Gathering falling across Halloween weekend, there’s no excuse not to go all in!

Get creative with Halloween body painting, test your carving skills in the pumpkin carving competition and see if you can track down the pumpkins in our pumpkin hunt.

Naturists have a slightly bizarre love of fancy dress, particularly when the costume can be created with body paint, so Halloween is practically made for us. Expect some seriously imaginative – and possibly downright spooky – creations!

Music, dancing and more

Once the costumes are ready, it’s time to party. We have live musical entertainment from a fabulous ABBA tribute act and the 70's Timewarp group, providing the perfect soundtrack for a weekend of dancing.

And because apparently dancing isn't exercise enough, Dancercise is joining the programme too. It's your chance to get moving, have some fun and work off some of those weekend calories, should you wish!

Add in three nights of dinners and complimentary breakfasts, and you have everything you need for a wonderfully cosy autumn break with the Naturist community.

Don't miss the finale

The summer festivals may be over, but the Naturist season isn't finished yet.

Join us in Stirling for one final big celebration of 2026. Bring your Halloween creativity, your dancing shoes and your appetite for fun. Get yourself booked in for The Gathering now!

30 October – 2 November 2026 | King Robert Hotel, Stirling
One last big weekend. Don't miss it!

Members Share Their Views on BN Magazine

Over the last two weeks, we have been exploring some of the findings from our all-member survey.
Two weeks ago, we discovered that the aspect of membership people value most is the sense of community and belonging. Last week, we compared what members value with what they actually use, helping us identify where we can focus our efforts to make membership even more rewarding.
This week, we turn our attention to one of our most tangible membership benefits: BN Magazine.
British Naturism has been publishing a quarterly magazine since 1964. But in a world where so much information is consumed digitally, do members still read it? And, perhaps more importantly, do they still value it?
The answer to both questions appears to be a resounding yes.
Do people still read BN Magazine?
We asked members whether, and to what extent, they read BN Magazine.
91% of respondents said they read the magazine, with 53% saying they read every issue thoroughly. Only 3% said they don't engage with the magazine at all.
That is an astonishing level of engagement for any publication and demonstrates that BN Magazine remains a significant part of the membership experience.
The finding is reinforced by another question in the survey, which asked members which aspects of British Naturism they use or engage with. BN Magazine ranked number one.
That tells us two things:
Firstly, the magazine remains relevant.
Secondly, because so many members use it, we need to make sure we do it well.
When something reaches such a large proportion of our membership, it deserves the appropriate attention and resources to ensure it continues to deliver what members want.
So, does BN Magazine hit the target?
Having established that the magazine is widely used, the next question was whether members are actually satisfied with it. We asked respondents to rate their satisfaction with a range of different features of British Naturism.
The good news was that members expressed a positive view of every aspect we asked about. That is reassuring in itself.
But BN Magazine stood out even further.
Despite all the features receiving positive satisfaction scores, satisfaction with BN Magazine was significantly higher than for any other feature. We certainly shouldn't rest on our laurels, but this tells us that the magazine has a very strong foundation from which to develop. And that is important as we look at what comes next.
What about the print edition?
One of the obvious strategic questions for any modern publication is whether it still makes sense to produce a printed edition.
Many magazines are moving towards online-only publishing, while much of the information we consume every day arrives through our phones and computers. For some people, digital is more convenient and accessible. Producing and posting a printed magazine also carries costs and uses resources, so it is reasonable to ask whether it remains the best approach.
Rather than speculate, we asked our members.
The question was simple:
“Do you prefer reading the print version or the online digital version of BN Magazine?”
The answer was remarkably clear.
68% prefer the print version. A further 14% use both equally, leaving just 18% who prefer the digital version.
That gives us a very strong mandate.
If we are considering the strategic future of the magazine, the question of whether the print edition should disappear has a clear answer from our members – NO. Members value the printed magazine very highly.
This is exactly the sort of information that makes a member survey so valuable. Without asking, we could easily have assumed that a move towards digital-only publishing reflected the direction members wanted.
Instead, you have told us very clearly that it doesn't.
And because so many people responded to the survey, we can make that decision with confidence rather than guesswork. Thank you for taking the time to tell us what you think.
So, is the magazine perfect?
Not exactly! The clear message about print is extremely useful, but perhaps even more valuable are the detailed responses about what members like, what they would like to see more of and where they think the magazine could be refined.
The findings we have explored this week tell us that BN Magazine already has a very strong foundation. It is widely read, highly valued and enjoys exceptionally high satisfaction among members. That gives us something very positive to build on.
The next step is to look at what is working particularly well and, just as importantly, what members would like us to do differently. So next week we'll take a closer look at those responses and explore what members want more of from BN Magazine.
The all-member survey has given us an extraordinary amount of insight. It means we don't have to guess what the membership wants from its magazine, you have told us. And with that knowledge, we can be confident that the best years of BN Magazine are still ahead of us.
Thank you for helping us make that happen.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 – 2027 Events Now on Sale!

The news we have all been waiting for has arrived: tickets for all our major 2027 events are now on sale!
We’ve put tickets on sale earlier than ever and released the full programme, giving you plenty of time to make your plans. British Naturism runs dozens of events throughout the year, but our four festivals are undoubtedly among the highlights.
And with each one offering something quite different, there’s a festival to suit almost everyone. So let’s take a look at the big four…
NKD – Youth Festival
29 May–2 June 2027
NKD is the festival designed especially for younger Naturists, as well as those who like the idea of being clothes-free but have never tried anything like this before.
With its focus on the 18–50 age range, fitting in and feeling welcome is at the heart of the festival. There’s plenty of time to relax, but also plenty to get involved in, with high-energy activities including paint and water fights, dodgeball and, on Sunday evening, exclusive NKD use of one of the UK’s largest waterparks.
The 2026 event reached capacity, demonstrating just how popular NKD has become. If you want to be there in 2027, booking early is the best way to make sure you have a place.
Nudefest
6–11 July 2027
Our biggest, longest-running and most ambitious festival returns to Thorney Lakes in 2027. If you’re looking for the classic Naturist festival experience, this is the one.
The venue offers plenty of creature comforts, including electrical hook-ups and a wide range of food vendors, making it possible to enjoy a more relaxed style of camping. But where Nudefest really shines is in its entertainment.
Showaddywaddy and the Kevin & Perry Ibiza Show are already booked, proving once again that we can bring some big names to a Naturist audience. Our headline comedy night is back, while the Ibiza foam party – a highlight of 2026 for many – returns, complete with foam and lasers lighting up the site.
And our ambition for 2027? To go even bigger.
We reached capacity with the 2026 format, but work behind the scenes has identified ways to accommodate more guests – potentially a lot more. We’re aiming to push the boundaries of what people expect from a Naturist festival.

Woodlandia – Windermere
30 July–2 August 2027
Woodlandia is the festival that sees perhaps the biggest change for 2027. After three years of poor weather, we’ve accepted that early June in the Lake District is simply too unpredictable. So we’ve bitten the bullet and moved the festival to late July.
For those who put nature at the heart of Naturism, Woodlandia is the perfect choice. Set in beautiful, wild surroundings on the banks of Lake Windermere, it’s a chance to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy a few days away from the pressures of everyday life.
The weekend has a strong focus on wellbeing, with yoga and meditation among the wildflowers, as well as walking and tarn swimming. Now taking place at the height of summer, we’re hoping for the conditions to spend the whole weekend enjoying the freedom of Naturism in the great outdoors.
EveryBody
12–16 August 2027
The biggest success story of 2026 was the EveryBody Festival, with bookings having to close three weeks before the event. We expect 2027 to be no different, and the flurry of bookings already coming in suggests demand could be even higher.
EveryBody is perfect for those who are familiar with the wider festival scene, as well as anyone who is simply young at heart.
Designed for an adult audience, it’s a chance to set aside the pressures of everyday life and throw yourself into activities including combat games, fitness sessions, art and sculpture workshops, and another exclusive waterpark experience.
As the sun goes down, the fun continues with comedy, music and plenty of opportunities to let loose and enjoy the atmosphere.
Which one will you choose?
With the full 2027 programme now released and tickets on sale, you can start planning your summer now.
Whether you want the high-energy fun of NKD, the big-name entertainment of Nudefest, the natural escape of Woodlandia or the anything-goes atmosphere of EveryBody, there’s a festival waiting for you.
And, of course, we know that plenty of you won’t be choosing just one.
So start making those decisions now and book early to avoid missing out!

Help us Make Issue 250 of BN Magazine one to Remember

Hopefully the autumn edition of BN Magazine has been landing on your doormat this weekend. If you’ve had a chance to browse it, you’ll already know that we’re looking ahead to the winter edition.
And this one is going to be a big one.
The winter edition will be issue 250. That’s a remarkable milestone for a quarterly magazine, and a testament to the longevity of both BN Magazine and British Naturism itself.
You may also have noticed a slight change in focus in the autumn edition, with more space dedicated to members’ stories and a different approach to reporting events. Rather than simply telling you what the organisers say happened, we want to hear about events from the people who were actually there.
That change comes directly from the recent all-member survey. You told us that you wanted more member voices, more personal experiences and more stories from within our community. We listened. Now we want to deliver.
We want to hear from you
You don’t have to be an author. You don’t even have to think of yourself as a writer. Send us your story in whatever form works for you and we can do as much or as little editing as needed.
What matters is that it is your experience, your perspective and your voice.
Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking:
1. Personal stories
How did you discover Naturism? How has Naturism affected your life? Do you have a funny, memorable or unexpected Naturist anecdote? These are experiences that many of us can relate to, and if you have a story to tell, people will want to hear it.
2. Travel stories
Travel was a particularly strong request in the survey. That includes Naturist holidays overseas, but stories of a trip or somewhere new you discovered in the UK would be a change from what we have done in the past and could be really interesting. Tell us what you discovered and what made it memorable.
3. Community and friendship
The aspect of membership people said they value most is the community and friendship they have found through British Naturism. Do you have a great story about getting together with friends? Have you organised something different? Perhaps you’ve come up with an ingenious new idea for a dinner party!
There are plenty of other possibilities, too. Nothing is off the table. These are simply the areas members have told us they would particularly like to see more of.
And don’t forget the pictures
Photos can bring a story to life. We can find suitable images from our photo library, but pictures that are directly connected to your story are even better. So if you have photographs that help tell the story, please send those too.
The deadline
The deadline for submissions for the winter edition is 15 October.
But don’t be discouraged if that feels too soon. I’m already thinking about the spring edition, so ideas and stories can always be carried forward.
If you already know what you want to write, get started! There’s no reason to wait. If you’d like to discuss an idea first, just drop me an email and we can talk it through.
Either way, send your ideas and submissions to:
magazine@bn.org.uk
Let’s make issue 250 a suitably impressive celebration of the people who have made BN Magazine what it is and the community that has kept British Naturism going for so many years.

Human First: British Naturism brings art and equality together in extraordinary London project

On 17 October, British Naturism will undertake a bold new project in London — bringing together 160 members of the Naturist community, internationally renowned fine-art photographer Angelo Musco and a historic London venue to create an extraordinary work of art with a simple message: we are Human First.
Being without clothes is the most visible characteristic of Naturism, but it is not necessarily the most important. For many Naturists, the real benefits are the sense of freedom and equality that can come from removing the social signals we attach to clothing; the labels, status symbols and assumptions that society has built around us.
At its heart, Naturism challenges us to recognise something remarkably simple: we are all human, we are all valuable, we are all worthy of respect and we are all equal.
Yet asserting that equality can sometimes feel surprisingly bold. In a society increasingly divided by identity, status and the assumptions we make about one another, simply acknowledging our shared humanity has become a statement worth making.
From that frustration came Human First.
Art, the human form and a message of equality
The human body and art are among the oldest ways in which people have challenged accepted ideas and drawn attention to social issues.
The legendary story of Lady Godiva riding through Coventry has endured as a symbol of protest against unfair taxation and exploitation. Picasso's Guernica became one of the world's most recognisable artistic responses to the horrors of war and a lasting symbol of opposition to violence and fascism.
British Naturism certainly makes no claim to the historical significance of Lady Godiva or Picasso. But the principle remains: art can make people stop, look and think.
Human First brings together art and the unclothed human form to make a contemporary statement about equality, dignity and our shared humanity.
Working with internationally renowned fine-art photographer Angelo Musco, British Naturism is bringing together participants from across the UK and Europe to create the work.
A historic London venue will become the setting for the project, with 160 models recruited from the UK Naturist community and additional participants travelling from across Europe to take part.
Four professional photographers will capture the creation of the artwork, while British Naturism's events team will be on hand throughout the day to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.
But the project is about more than simply creating an image.
Lead hostess Claire, together with British Naturism's own photographer, will be interviewing participants and documenting the day. Their aim is to capture the stories, motivations and personal experiences behind the people taking part; helping to ensure that the message behind Human First is not lost behind the finished artwork.
British Naturism also welcomes media enquiries before and after the event, particularly from journalists interested in exploring the ideas behind the project and speaking to those involved.
Be part of Human First
Recruitment for participants is now closed, but the project still needs one or two assistants on the day. Members who would like to help should make contact here.
There are also ways to support Human First without being at the event.
The Human First T-shirt, created originally as a souvenir for participants, is now available through Ironic Clothing. The more people who carry the message, the further that message of equality can travel.
The entire project has been funded through charitable donations. Anyone wishing to contribute can still do so through the Human First GoFundMe campaign.
We are Human First
Human First is ultimately about something much bigger than Naturism.
It is about challenging the instinct to judge people according to the labels attached to them and instead recognising the person underneath.
We may have different backgrounds, beliefs, identities, occupations, circumstances and experiences. We may look different and live very different lives. But none of those things makes one human being more valuable than another.
On 17 October, British Naturism will stand together with participants from across Europe to make that statement through art.
If you believe people should be valued for their shared humanity rather than judged by labels, stand with us.
Before gender, ethnicity, or status – we are Human First.

Contacts and links
For media enquiries, please contact Mark Bass, President and Press Enquiries, British Naturism: mark.bass@bn.org.uk
Website: bn.org.uk

Changing the Narrative: Looking out for each other

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day – an opportunity to think about an issue that affects people in every community, including our own.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization estimate that more than 700,000 people die by suicide around the world each year. Behind that number are individuals, families, friends and communities dealing with loss, grief and questions that can remain for many years.
For the past three years, the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day has been ‘Changing the Narrative’. At its heart is a simple but important idea: we need to be more open about suicide and mental health, and create opportunities for people to talk about what they are experiencing.
Starting a conversation does not mean having all the answers. Sometimes it simply means asking someone how they are doing, listening without judgement and letting them know that they matter. For someone who is struggling, feeling able to talk can be an important step towards finding further support.
Community has an important role to play here. Friends, neighbours, colleagues and fellow members can offer something that professional services cannot: everyday human connection. A conversation over a coffee, a message to check in, or simply knowing that there are people who will notice when we are absent can all help someone feel less alone.
That doesn't mean that community support replaces professional help. When someone is struggling, encouraging them to seek appropriate support is important. But we can still play our part by creating a culture in which asking for help is accepted and talking about difficult things is not something to be ashamed of.
As a Naturist community, we talk often about the importance of acceptance, openness and feeling comfortable among others. Those values extend well beyond our shared enjoyment of Naturism. They are about how we treat one another as people.
So today, perhaps take a moment to look beyond the surface. The person who seems cheerful may be having a difficult time. The person who is always there for others may need someone to be there for them. And we cannot always know what someone is experiencing, which is why a simple act of kindness or a genuine question can matter.
Ask. Listen. Be kind. Stay connected.
And if you are struggling yourself, please don't feel that you have to deal with everything alone. Talking to someone you trust or seeking professional support can be an important first step.
World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that changing the narrative starts with all of us. By being willing to talk, to listen and to look out for one another, we can help make our community a place where people know they are valued and where reaching out for help is met with understanding rather than judgement.
Looking out for each other matters.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ or https://spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline/

From Paruresis to Freedom: How Naturism Changed Robert Ashton’s Life

The Guardian today features the remarkable story of author Robert Ashton, who launched his new book, Down to Earth, at Springwood earlier this year before joining us for our Naturist visit to Johnsons Zoological Gardens.
Robert’s story is a striking example of how Naturism can help an individual overcome a deeply personal challenge.
For decades, Robert lived with paruresis, commonly known as bladder or shy bladder syndrome. This psychological condition can make it extremely difficult or impossible to urinate unless a person feels completely certain that they have privacy. In severe cases, it can have a profound impact on everyday life, restricting where people can go and how long they can stay away from home.
Robert first spoke to us while researching Down to Earth. When he subsequently joined us for a full day of Naturism to launch his book, something extraordinary happened.
To his complete surprise, his paruresis simply disappeared.
The acceptance, trust and normality of being naked in a Naturist environment seemed to remove the psychological pressure he had experienced for so long. A barrier that had been part of his life for decades suddenly wasn't there.
There is growing evidence of the positive effects that Naturism can have on wellbeing, confidence and body acceptance. Robert's experience is particularly striking because, for him, the change was immediate and profound.
It raises an intriguing question: if Naturism can help overcome one deeply rooted psychological hurdle, what other barriers might it help people challenge?
You can read about Robert’s book and introduction to Naturism in the latest issue of BN Magazine.

The All-Member Survey: What We Value Most

British Naturism recently invited all our members to complete a survey and give their views on several aspects of the organisation. The aim was simple: to provide a genuine, unfiltered picture of what our members actually want from their organisation.
Last week, we looked at the message that dominated the survey: community and a sense of belonging matter enormously to our members. That finding was not a surprise, but the strength of feeling was. It also gives us an important principle to take forward: when making decisions, we should always consider how what we do can help build and strengthen our community.
There was, of course, much more to learn from the survey.
This week, we’re looking at what members value most and what they use most.
Members were presented with a list of different aspects of British Naturism and asked to identify those they valued and used most. Looking at those two measures together gives us a useful way of thinking about priorities.
You could almost see the two questions as asking different things: what do we really want from British Naturism, and which are the tools we use to deliver it?
That comparison produces some interesting conclusions.
High value – high usage
These are the strongest elements: things that members both value highly and actively use. They are clearly important parts of the membership experience and need to be maintained and supported.
Online information
Supporting Naturism
Reassurance of being a member
It was particularly encouraging to see that some of the most valued and most-used aspects are, fundamentally, about Naturism itself.
That tells us that, while there are certainly areas where we can refine and improve, British Naturism remains at its heart what we believe it should be: an organisation that supports Naturism and provides reassurance to people who want to be part of it.
That is a pretty reassuring finding in itself.
Sound value – sound usage
These features perform well, with both value and usage at healthy levels:
Campaigning and advocacy
Legal helpline
National events
There is sometimes debate about whether British Naturism should primarily be an organisation that provides experiences and opportunities, or one that campaigns and advocates for Naturism.
The survey provides a useful answer: we need to be both.
The strong and broadly comparable ratings for these different aspects show the breadth of what members expect from British Naturism. Narrowing our focus too much in one direction could leave other members feeling that something important to them has been lost.
We don't have limitless resources, of course, and choices will always have to be made. But the message from members is clear: the breadth of British Naturism is a strength, and we should aim to maintain a strong presence across these different areas.
High value – lower usage
There is one particularly interesting feature in this category:
Community
This is a perfect example of why survey results need to be considered rather than simply read as a league table.
Given how highly members value community, it was always likely that its value score would be higher than its usage score. There is also a fundamental question about what it means to use community. Is attending an event using community? Is chatting to another member online? Is simply knowing that you belong somewhere?
Whatever the answer, the important finding is the exceptionally high value placed on community.
It reinforces the conclusion from our first article: supporting opportunities for members to connect, meet and build relationships needs to be central to what we do.
Reasonable value – higher usage
This may be the most interesting group of all.
BN Magazine
Regional events
Forum
These features are used by a relatively large proportion of members, but their value scores aren't quite as high as those in the categories above. That doesn't mean they are performing badly. Far from it. Instead, they represent perhaps our greatest opportunity to improve the membership experience, because changes here could benefit a significant number of members.
Take BN Magazine. More than two thirds of members read it, making it one of our most effective ways of communicating with the membership. The value score is already good, but the combination of high usage and room for improvement means there is an opportunity to make something that many members already use even better. You'll see more on that in the coming weeks as we explore how the magazine could evolve.
Regional events are another particularly important opportunity. Given the importance members place on community, it is no surprise that local events have such a significant role to play. They provide one of the best opportunities to turn the idea of community into something tangible: meeting people, making friends and creating connections close to home.
The Forum provides another interesting finding. We already knew that there were aspects of the Forum that could be improved. What we weren't previously clear about was how many members actually use it. The survey answers that question. There are enough members using the Forum to make investing some effort in improving it worthwhile.
What do members really value?
These conclusions become even more interesting when we move beyond the structured questions and look at what members said in their own words. Question 1 asked respondents to select their two most valued aspects from a predetermined list. That gives us a useful and consistent measure, but it is still a structured exercise. Question 3 was very different, members were simply asked:
“What is the main reason you are a member of British Naturism?”
There was no list to choose from and no restriction on what they could say. This gives us a much more open window into what really motivates people.
When those free-text answers were subsequently assigned to the same categories used in Question 1, the overall order was similar. But something particularly interesting happened: the proportion of respondents identifying Supporting Naturism, Reassurance of Being a Member and Community actually increased.
In other words, when people were given the freedom to explain their membership in their own words, these aspects became more apparent.
We can take the analysis one step further. Rather than restricting the answers to the predetermined categories, we also looked for recurring themes within the responses themselves. The result was striking.
“Supporting and promoting Naturism” was the dominant theme, appearing in more than half of the responses.
“Community and belonging” appeared in approximately one third.
Other themes were also significant. Membership value and benefits and events and activities were each mentioned by around one in five respondents.
These findings are important because they put the practical aspects of membership into context. The benefits, events and activities matter. They are part of what makes membership enjoyable and worthwhile. But they appear to sit behind two broader motivations: supporting and promoting Naturism, and belonging to a community.
What does this mean for the future?
The survey is beginning to give us a very clear picture.
People join British Naturism because they want to be Naturists, they want to support and promote Naturism, and they want to belong to a community of people who share that interest and understanding. The events, magazine, Forum, information and other membership benefits are important because they help us deliver those things. That gives us a useful way to think about our priorities.
Supporting and promoting Naturism, and creating a sense of belonging, should be at the heart of what we do.
Events and activities are fantastic ways of delivering those core desires, so we should make sure they are designed and supported with that purpose in mind.
BN Magazine is already doing a good job of supporting those aims, but there is clearly an opportunity to push it further. And regional events and the Forum offer perhaps the greatest opportunities to strengthen the things members have told us matter most.
So, as a result of what members have told us, you can expect to see further work in these areas over the year ahead.
This is exactly why the survey matters. It isn't simply about collecting opinions or producing interesting statistics. It gives us evidence to help make better decisions about where we focus our time, energy and resources.
And, most importantly, those decisions are being shaped by what our members have told us they value.

BN249: The Autumn issue of our members' magazine is out now!

The Autumn issue of our members’ magazine is out now!
Inside you’ll find the stories, inspiration and information from across the world of Naturism that you have come to expect – but you might also notice a change.
Over the summer, we surveyed all our members about various aspects of membership. One of the clearest messages was that you want the magazine to be more member-led, with more personal stories and experiences from the people who make up British Naturism.
Although this issue was already well underway when the survey took place, you will see some early adjustments responding to that feedback, giving you a glimpse of what is to come as we continue to listen and evolve the magazine around what members want.
Inside this issue
Events: Reviews of events from the early part of summer, with reports from the people who were there. We cover plenty of ground, with the biggest events still to come in our next issue.
Inclusion: We explore the experience of Naturism as a wheelchair user and consider how we can better support differently abled people to participate in Naturism.
Campaigning: Success and ongoing work stories from campaigns in the US to UK beaches, swimming pools and individual challenges, we look at how Naturists are making a difference.
Member-led gatherings: Members taking the bull by the horns and organising their own gatherings – showing just what can happen when our community takes the initiative.
Club focuses: Discover more about Dolcoed and Yorkshire Sun Society.
Sunfolk: Updates from a busy summer onsite.
Pride: A look back at this year’s Pride activities.
Travel: From our rundown of the top European spas to the Bare Necessities Cruise and the impact of the women’s holiday to Vritomartis.
Personal stories: Real experiences and testimonies from members of our community.
Ironic Clothing: Discover the new autumn releases from Ironic Clothing to help keep you cosy as the seasons change.
The printed edition will arrive very soon, while British Naturism members can already download the digital edition here, along with every issue of our celebrated magazine dating back to 2004.
If you are not already a British Naturism member and would like to receive and access the magazine, along with the many other features of the British Naturism community, you can find out more about membership here.
We want to hear from you
Finally, if you would like to appear in the next magazine, we would dearly love to hear more real stories from real members.
Perhaps you have an experience to share, a memorable event, an unusual adventure, a personal perspective on Naturism or simply a story you think other members would enjoy. Whatever your story, this is your organisation and your magazine – and we want to hear from everybody.
Email magazine@bn.org.uk and tell us your story.
The more members who contribute, the more truly member-led our magazine can become.

Women in Focus: Women, Naturism, and Feeling at Home in Your Own Skin

For many of us, feeling confident in our bodies isn’t always easy. But Naturism can offer something powerful: a space where we can simply be ourselves, without worrying about how we look or what others might think.
In the latest episode of Women in Focus, Helen Berriman is joined by Ronnie Belfitt, a long-time Naturist, British Naturism Ambassador and regular participant in our Women in Naturism holidays.
Ronnie shares her own journey into Naturism and reflects on how discovering body acceptance at an early age shaped the way she sees herself today. She also explains why women-only Naturist spaces can be so valuable, creating an environment where women can relax, build confidence and simply enjoy being themselves.
The conversation explores confidence, mental wellbeing and some of the simple joys that Naturism can bring – from skinny-dipping and holidays with other women to taking part in the charity Naked Heart Walks.
It’s a warm, honest and very relatable conversation about bodies, friendship, getting older and learning to feel at home in the skin you’re in.
Listen to the latest episode of Women in Focus, along with all previous episodes, here.
You can also support the Women in Focus campaign with our range of slogan wear, available through the Ironic Clothing store. The collection includes T-shirts and longer T-shirt dresses – ideal if you need a little extra warmth, or simply don’t want to carry a towel around with you all day!

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Women in Focus: Women, Naturism, and Feeling at Home in Your Own Skin

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