News and Articles

September: A Harvest Festival of Skinny-Dips!

September: A Harvest Festival of Skinny-Dips!

I went swimming recently – sadly, not naked – at a local water park. The weather was cloudy but warm, the silky water a fabulous 20 degrees. No wetsuit needed! But as lovely as the swim was, it would have been even nicer au naturel. It’s strange, really. It’s not as if we have to wear the bulky woollen bathing suits of our ancestors. But even a modern swimsuit weighing next to nothing feels constraining in some way.
All of which is to say: the Great British Skinny Dip continues, and we should take advantage of the opportunities offered to shed our cossies!
This month there are 15 events to choose from as I write this, including some fabulous events at the beach - and you never know, more could be added - so stay tuned.
Let’s remind ourselves briefly why we do this.
First, it feels great!
Second, the more skinny dips there are, and the more friends, family and colleagues we introduce to them, the more we get the word out about the joys and benefits of the Naturist lifestyle.
Third, we want to raise as much money as we can for our charity partner the British Heart Foundation. If you can’t make it to a dip but would like to donate to the BHF – which, after all, is working hard to keep us all heart-healthy – please head over to BN’s JustGiving page.
With all that in mind, here’s what’s happening this month:
 
September 3
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham. There are also swims on the 10th, 17th and 24th September.
Arundel Lido, Arundel.
 
September 4
British Naturism: Sunfolk, St Albans.
Portstewart Strand, Portstewart, Northern Ireland. (Last year's great event is our picture)
 
September 10
Great East Skinny Dip, Clacton on Sea
Wigton, Cumbria
 
September 11
Northampton Sun Group, Northampton
 
September 13
Shap Lido, Cumbria
 
September 17
Yaverland, Sandown, Isle of Wight
 
September 18
L’Ancresse Bay Pembroke, Guernsey
 
September 24
Mildenhall Swim and sauna, Bury St Edmunds
Swim with Oxnat - Didcot
 
Remember to keep checking the Great British Skinny Dip website - click here to find a list of what dips are coming up soon
You’ll find everything you need to know about organising, promoting and joining in Great British Skinny Dips on the website https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/the-great-british-skinny-dip, including social media tools, risk assessment forms and a complete fundraising kit. Don’t forget to sign up for the GBSD newsletter, and follow us on social media.

The Forum Live - interviewing Jane Mulkerrins

The Forum Live - interviewing Jane Mulkerrins

...and we're back! After a well-earned summer break, British Naturism's online interview/chat session, The Forum Live returns next Monday 5 September at 19:30.
I'm delighted to announce that our first guest of the season will be Jane Mulkerrins. Jane is Associate Editor at The Times Magazine, where she commissions, edits and writes features and interviews. She also regularly contributes to Times Radio. She spent a decade in New York 2010-2021, reporting from across the US and North America for UK outlets including The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and The FT. She is a keen traveller, cyclist and outdoor swimmer. 
We have been working with Jane on a feature in which she takes in a number of Naturist experiences over the long, hot summer we have enjoyed. It is scheduled to be published this Saturday, September 3 in The Times Magazine. We can't wait to read it!
Join the session on the night in the online events section of the BN shop
It's for members of British Naturism and other Naturist federations only - if you are not a member, it's easy to join here and join the over 800 other new members we've welcomed this year!
 

Naked Retro Gaming night!

Naked Retro Gaming night!

Join us at the Centre for computing history in Cambridge for an evening of naked retro gaming.  We will have access to all of the hands-on gaming consoles and computers the museum has on display.
Exclusive access to the three public areas of the museum - The Foyer, 80s Classroom and Main Gallery including the Game Zone. 'Party style' music and lighting will be provided in the Main Gallery.  Unique BIG SCREEN gaming features not normally available during a normal museum visit. A projected BIG SCREEN Mario Kart set-up in the 80s Classroom!   Click here for more details and booking information

BHF Naked Heart Walk at the Secret Nuclear Bunker

BHF Naked Heart Walk at the Secret Nuclear Bunker

Do you remember that the long summer heat wave was followed by two days of thunderstorms and floods? Well, that was, by unlucky coincidence, when British Naturism (BN) in partnership with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), had arranged the Naked Heart Walk in Essex.
However, it seems the nature of the good cause, raising money for BHF, made all the difference as the clouds parted and the sun came out for a dry warm evening on 18 August at the Secret Nuclear Bunker. 33 people took part, some having travelled many miles to get there, with a good balance of male and female. It was a gentle stroll rather than a head-down march, passing several curious structures for the indulgence of the BN official photographer.  We all won a BHF medal for participation followed by entering the cavern itself for a worrying presentation on the rudimentary 1970s equipment used to detect radioactive fallout. Many stayed for an evening meal in the canteen used by the senior government officials of the day.
Organisers , Nigel and Janina Newman, said “This worthwhile event gave us another opportunity to talk about Naturism with our friends. Both our fathers died of heart attacks and we got sponsorship from Nigel’s badminton club and many others”.
 
Photo by Colin Brundle

Introducing our New Equality and Diversity Officer

Introducing our New Equality and Diversity Officer

British Naturism is very proud to announce the appointment of Meleasha as our new Equality and Diversity Officer.  As a minority group ourselves, Naturists are well aware of the challenges that minorities face and that we must all strive to achieve equal treatment for all.
The historical discrimination suffered by members of the LGBTQ+ community and People of Colour far exceeds anything that Naturists have endured and we know that, sadly, that discrimination still exists if you scratch the surface.  The guiding principle of Naturism is one of respect, meaning that we have a responsibility to ensure that discrimination does not exist in our own ranks and to stand with other minority groups if they face pressure from other parts of society.
Mel takes up the role with academic and professional experience of both Naturism and Equality and Diversity, and as a person of colour and bisexual woman herself, knows well the hatred that still exists in sectors of society.  As a long-time Naturist, this is a role that Mel has been preparing for a long time.  Mel is also one of British Naturism’s very visible ambassadors, and is already issuing a call to action:
“As a woman of mixed English, Jamaican and Cuban heritage and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, fighting for equality and diversity in all spaces is really important to me. Naturism, all its benefits and the beautiful community we have built is something I shout about to anyone who will listen, so this role seemed like the perfect way to bring my passions together. Whilst I belong to several minority groups I am conscious that I could not possibly represent everyone and there is much to learn about the groups I don’t belong to in particular.  Therefore, I encourage anyone interested in Equality and Diversity to get involved and let us know how we can make Naturism even more inclusive so that it can be enjoyed by everyone.  Feel free to get in touch or chat to me at an event!”
British Naturism is committed to improving the quality of people’s lives across society, and over the next couple of years, Mel will be a key part of that.
 

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

The British Naturism news and ezine team is taking a summer break next week and so here’s an overview of the bigger events into the beginning of September.
 
Don’t forget that you can find information on all events in the following places:
 
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
 
The Great British Skinny Dip
Still plenty of dips to enjoy - with new ones being added - check them out
 
Naked Heart Walks - with British Heart Foundation
Hole Park, Kent
Sat 27th Aug, 14:00
 
Garden visits
Howick Hall Garden, Northumberland
Sat 13th August, 19:00-21:00
High Beeches, West Sussex
Wed 31st August, 14:00-17:30
Adlington Hall, Cheshire
Tues 6th Sept, 14:00-18:00
 
Naked Walks
Stark Trekkers: Pevensey, East Sussex
Thur 18th August, 11:30 - 16:00
Great Missenden, Bucks
Fri 19th August, 12:30 - 17:00
Natram: Arun Gap, Arundel
Thur 25th August, 11:15 - 18:30
Natram : Red Shoot, New Forest Hampshire
Thur 1st Sept, 11:45 - 18:30
Natram : Un-Firled, Alfriston, East Sussex
Thur 8th Sept, 11:30 - 18:30
Natram: Walk Up Barley, West Sussex
Thur 15th Sept, 11:30 - 1830
 
Other events
NKD Festival
25th to 29th August   
A weekend of Diversity and Inclusivity at Liverpool Sun and Air
26th to 29th August
Waterpark
Splashdown
27th August  20:00 - 22:00
Beach Day
Studland Beach Day
Sun 28th August, 10:45 - 15:30
Dine Naked Bristol: Games Night
28th August 18:30
Naked Retro Gaming in Cambridge
Fri 9th Sept, 19:00 - 23:00

Chalfont Holidays - now recruiting!

Chalfont Holidays - now recruiting!

Chalfont Holidays, the UK’s premier Naturist tour operator - and proud sponsors of British Naturism - who you read about earlier this week are now recruiting.
If you’d like to be part of their home-based reservations team booking tailor-made holidays for the British Naturism community, we’d like to hear from you!
We would love it if you have previous travel industry experience, but don’t worry if not, training will be given to the successful candidates.
Please send your CV and covering note outlining your experience to hr@chalfontholidays.co.uk
chalfontholidays.co.uk
 

 
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Naked Heart Walk, Kent - next week!

Naked Heart Walk, Kent - next week!

Thanks to everyone who has already signed up for the forthcoming Naked Heart Walk at Hole Park, Kent on 27th August.
Enjoy a 3 km sponsored walk around the 16-acre garden and woodland trail and afterwards enjoy a full afternoon tea - included in the ticket price!
It's not too late to book your place to not only have a great, nude day out, but to raise valuable funds for our charity partner British Heart Foundation.
There's an entry fee aimed at covering the costs of putting on the events with an encouragement (not a commitment) for each walker to raise or donate up to £100 - though if you raise more, we won't complain!

Random thoughts about the Great British Skinny Dip

Random thoughts about the Great British Skinny Dip

First: I miss last week’s sun and heat!
Second: Grey skies and cooler breezes shouldn’t put us off skinny-dipping. It’s not too late to organise events, and more are being added all the time. Nor is too late to jump – au naturel - into some body of water. If ya can’t swim outdoors, swim indoors! Interestingly, more venues have begun running their own events, a very good sign that interest in naked swimming is growing.
And the third random thought is this: If you’re thinking you’d love to donate to the British Heart Foundation but can’t make it to a GBSD event, no worries. Just head on over to BN’s JustGiving page and donate to your heart’s content.
 
So…here’s the agenda for the next couple of weeks.
Spectrum Swims, Birmingham, on August 20, August 27 and September 3
Peterborough Lido, Cambridgeshire, on August 27
NOTE: The August 28 Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Swim, Aldeburgh, has been postponed. Stay tuned for a future date.
And then here comes September, bringing with it a repeat swim at Arundel Lido on September 3
and the second annual beach day at Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland on September 4.
 
Remember, there are over 100 dips are listed on the Great British Skinny Dip website - click here to find a list of what other dips are coming up next
You’ll find everything you need to know about organising, promoting and taking part in Great British Skinny Dips on the website, including social media tools, risk assessment forms and a complete fundraising kit. Don’t forget to sign up for the GBSD newsletter, and follow us on social media.

New owner for Chalfont Holidays

New owner for Chalfont Holidays

Chalfont Holidays, the UK’s premier Naturist tour operator - and proud sponsors of British Naturism -  has new owners.
With over 30 years’ experience within the travel industry, Chris Thelen has recently taken the helm at Chalfont. With an enviable reputation for bringing innovation and value to travel companies, it’s an exciting time as Chalfont Holidays looks at offering new resorts and holiday destinations to the Naturist community.
Chris told British Naturism, ‘We’ve got bags of experience over many years in corporate travel and can count some of the world’s best names among our clients. I’ve visited many clothing-optional beaches over the years, and I am excited by the prospect of adding this new, fast-growing market to our portfolio. We’re looking forward to working with British Naturism and its members and providing the Naturist community with fantastic holidays for years to come. We also want to work with you to help make sure the Naturist market keeps on growing and moving to the mainstream”.
BN looks forward to bringing you more news from Chalfont Holidays in the coming months. In the meantime, look out for new group holidays this Autumn and into 2023.
chalfontholidays.co.uk

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Here’s this week’s digest of forthcoming events. Whilst we, our plants and our wildlife could do with some rain, it’s certainly the kind of weather when clothes can become a distant memory… so make the most of it.
 
Don’t forget that you can find information on all of our events in the following places:
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
 
The Great British Skinny Dip
Still plenty of dips to enjoy - with new ones being added -
 
Naked Heart Walks - with British Heart Foundation
Secret Nuclear Bunker, Essex - 18th Aug
Hole Park, Kent - 27th Aug
 
Garden visits
Howick Hall Garden, Northumberland
Sat 13th August, 19:00-21:00
 
High Beeches
Wed 31st August,  14:00-17:30
 
Naked Walks
Stark Trekkers : Pevensey, East Sussex
Thur 18th August  11:30 - 16:00
 
Great Missenden, Bucks
Frid 19th August 12:30 - 17:00
 
Arun Gap
Thur 25th August 11:15 - 18:30
 
Festivals & Camping
Windermere weekend
12th to 14th August
 
Garden of Wellness Weekend
19th to 21st August
 
NKD Festival
25th to 29th August   
 
A weekend of Diversity and Inclusivity at Liverpool Sun and Air
26th to 29th August
 
 

Skinny-Dipping in the News Yet Again!

Skinny-Dipping in the News Yet Again!

As an outdoor swimmer, I appreciated the article in this month’s Outdoor Swimmer magazine titled, “Nude in Bude.” It talked about the author’s trip to the South West Skinny Dip at Summerleaze beach and was extremely positive about the fun and benefits of cossie-free swimming. While this event raises money for a charity other than the British Heart Foundation, the article pointed readers to BN’s Great British Skinny Dip website. I enjoyed the piece so much – including for the fact that its accompanying photo showed a bunch of joyful-looking nudies (male and female) without their bits and bobs blacked out – that I wrote to thank the editor. Well done, Outdoor Swimmer!
So…speaking of the GBSD, let’s see what’s on the agenda for the next few days.
August 13 brings 5 swims, with a new one (the second!) added at Kerensa Cottage.
St Anne’s Beach Day, Lytham St Anne’s
Corton Beach Day, Lowestoft
Wigton, Cumbria
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
Kerensa Cottage, Somerset
On August 18, Race Hub, Leicestershire is back:
The Spectrum Swim, Birmingham, happens on August 20 and August 27 
That day there’s also another dip at Peterborough Lido
And – on August 28 why not hit the beach at the new Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Swim, Suffolk?
 
And that takes us to September, about which more in upcoming blogs.
But just because autumn is approaching – not too fast, please! – that doesn’t mean we should forget about why we’re skinny-dipping and how important it is to keep scheduling swims and making a lot of noise about them. We’re getting the word out about all the benefits of Naturism for the body, soul and mind, and hoping to persuade friends, colleagues and family to give it a try. We’re helping to normalise the clothes-free lifestyle. And, just as importantly, we want to raise as much money as possible for our charity partner, the British Heart Foundation, which is working hard to keep us heart-healthy.
You’ll find everything you need to know about organising, promoting and taking part in Great British Skinny Dips on the website, including social media tools, risk assessment forms, a complete fundraising kit, and a sign up for the GBSD newsletter. Don't forget to follow us on social media too!
Photo - thanks to George Booth - our GBSD event at Beacon Tarn on Tuesday.

Naked Heart Walks - coming soon - a reminder!

Naked Heart Walks - coming soon - a reminder!

Thanks to everyone who has already signed up for the forthcoming Naked Heart Walks at the Secret Nuclear Bunker, Essex (pictured), next Thursday 18th August, and Hole Park, Kent on 27th August.
It's not too late to book your place to not only have a great, nude day out, but to raise valuable funds for our charity partner British Heart Foundation.
There's an entry fee aimed at covering the costs of putting on the events with an encouragement (not a commitment) for each walker to raise or donate up to £100 - though if you raise more, we won't complain!

Last chance for Windermere...

Last chance for Windermere...

There's another hot weekend on the way, and if you are looking for a cool, back to nature way to spend it, look no further than our annual weekend on the banks of Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
It's a two-night, laid-back camping break with meditation, walks, skinny-dipping and live music. 
Fine out all the details and book your place now!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Here’s our usual reminder of what’s happening very soon…
 
The Great British Skinny Dip
Loads happening - check out our dedicated news item
 
Garden visit
Gibberd Garden, Essex
Sat 6th August, 11:00
 
World Naked Bike Ride
Romford, Essex
6th August 11:45
 
Walk
Bury St Edmunds
Sun 7 Aug 2022 10:00
 
Beach Day
Studland Beach Day
Sunday 7th  10:30
 
Festivals & Camping
Windermere weekend
12th - 14th August
 
Garden visit
Howick Hall Garden, Northumberland
Sat 13th August, 19:00-21:00
 
Naked Heart Walks - for British Heart Foundation
Secret Nuclear Bunker, Essex - 18th Aug
Hole Park, Kent - 27th Aug
 
Just announced…
Boat trip
Norbury, Shropshire
Tuesday 6th September 19:00-22:00
 
Swims - plenty to consider, see bn.org.uk/calendar
 
And keep an eye on all the other gatherings…
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

Getting the Word out on Skinny-Dipping!

Getting the Word out on Skinny-Dipping!

As many of you will have read recently, there have been 100 Great British Skinny Dips listed in 29 separate venues so far this year. That’s a huge milestone, and it shows BN outreach is working. Let’s keep that momentum going!
I myself took advantage of the great weather this past weekend to visit the beach at Budleigh Salterton. No dipping took place (by me, at any rate, still recuperating from eye surgery), but I got the chance to see some amazing Devon cliffs and an unusual pebble beach.
Anyway, back to the GBSD and some fab upcoming swims!
Already noted on the BN website are two open-air skinny dips this week, one tomorrow at Race Hub, Leicestershire (pictured) that’s just for women, and another on 7 August at Arundel Lido.
Also on August 9 there’s Beacon Tarn Naked Walk & Skinny Dip, Ulverston and Shap Lido, Penrith - close together and so you could do both!
August 13 brings a flurry of swims, with two beach days and three pool swims:
St Anne’s Beach Day, Lytham St Anne’s
Corton Beach Day, Lowestoft
Kerensa Cottage, Somerset
Wigton, Cumbria
and Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
And on August 18, there’s another Race Hub dip (their 4th one this year!)
 
Now get out there! Let’s see if we can increase those 100 swims to 200!
You’ll find everything you need to know about organising, promoting and taking part in Great British Skinny Dips on the website https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/the-great-british-skinny-dip, including social media tools, risk assessment forms and – importantly – a complete fundraising kit to help bring in much-needed funding for our charity partner, the British Heart Foundation. Don’t forget to sign up for the GBSD newsletter, and follow us on social media.

The BN Shop - showing your support for Naturism, even when you aren't naked!

The BN Shop - showing your support for Naturism, even when you aren't naked!

It has been great to see healthy levels of interest from BN members and other Naturists in our range of merchandise, offered for sale on our shop website where you will find branded clothing, towels, mugs, flasks and sports bottles, tea towels and even doormats. There's even a gift card option for you to treat the Naturist in your life.
As we expected, our new range of print-on-demand towels have proved very popular, and it has been great to see your pictures of them gracing different beaches around the UK and around the world.
The BN Shop has also been ‘on the road’ over the summer, especially at Nudefest. Given the great weather, our baseball caps sold out quickly. We also had great interest in our embroidered towels which are back in the range after a couple of years.
We’ve been working hard with our suppliers to maintain the prices at which we offer our merchandise and have managed this so far, despite costs increasing in many other areas. We’ve built up a good relationship with our suppliers over the last couple of years, who tell us that the idea of T-shirts for Naturists continue to bring a smile to the faces of their team members.
But this suggests an important point about the merchandise that we offer. It’s another option for members and other Naturists to let other people know about their support for BN and for Naturism in a subtle and light-hearted way, hopefully making a small contribution to normalising Naturism.
...and don't forget, BN members get a 15% discount on all items!
shop.bn.org.uk

Open-air skinny dips announced for this week!

Open-air skinny dips announced for this week!

Regular website visitor will be fully aware of British Naturism's outreach project, The Great British Skinny Dip which aims to:
Encourage acceptance and participation in Naturism across the nation and beyond Promote greater understanding of Naturism and Social Nudity Promote the benefits of naturism including body confidence and wellbeing Raise Funds for the British Heart Foundation So far this year, we're listing exactly 100 dips in 29 separate venues - most of them are locations where those pesky, unnecessary, pointless swimming costumes are usually mandatory. Looks like 'outreach' is working...
This week sees two of those venues host further events. Racehub is '... a fantastic open water swimming venue which welcomes swimmers at all levels of ability from complete beginners to athletes, and is used by British Triathlon, local triathlon clubs and hobby swimmers for individual and group sessions.' Obviously keen on skinny dipping having already hosted two events this year, they've just announced a third and fourth! This week's dip (on Thursday) is also exclusively for women.
Arundel Lido offers outdoor swimming with heated pools in a stunning setting of the picturesque town of Arundel and in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. They have hosted events in previous years (see picture) and have just announced TWO for 2022. The first is this coming Sunday, 7 August with the next on 3rd September. 
See you there!
It's not too late for more events to be arranged, listed and promoted! Get in touch if you'd like to help - or find information on how to organise a skinny dip on our website. 

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Here’s an overview of all the events happening soon - including this weekend! Get stuck in to camping, skinny dips, walks, bike rides, garden visits, boat trips, fitness weekends and a variety of regular swims!
 
Camping
Sunnybroom - walking and camping
Fri 29 Jul - Mon 01 Aug 2022
British Naturism: Sunfolk
All season
 
The Great British Skinny Dip
Check out the latest news and events - new events added this week!
 
Walks
Natram Walk Friston Forest East Sussex
Fri 27 Jul 2022, 11:30-18 :30
Natram Walk Great Bottom West Sussex
https://www.bn.org.uk/calendar/event/6671-natram-walk-great-bottom/
Thurs 4 Aug 2022 11:45 - 18:30 
 
World Naked Bike Rides
Folkestone
Sat 30th Jul 2022, 14:00
 
Open Gardens
Gibberd Garden, Essex
Sat 6th August, 11:00
 
Events
Naked Fitness Weekend, Sunfolk
Fri 29 - 31 Jul 2022
Farne Islands Boat Trip, Northumberland
Sat 30 Jul 2022, 15:00
 
Swims - plenty to consider, see bn.org.uk/calendar
 
And keep an eye on all the other gatherings…
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

Adlington Hall – A Naked Heart Walk Through a Magical Wood

Adlington Hall – A Naked Heart Walk Through a Magical Wood

Adlington Hall is a beautiful country house in Cheshire. Dave and I had never visited it, and the 20 July British Naturism Naked Heart Walk there was a new experience for us on two accounts. It was a trip to a place that looks to be perfectly preserved in the 16th-17th centuries and - even better – it was our first naked walk.
The estate is hidden away (so hidden, in fact, that we got briefly lost), and my first impression of it was, “Wow. It feels like we’ve stepped back in time.” Yes, I know, there are stately piles all over Britain, but this one felt small, intimate and welcoming.
The house itself was closed, but BN had taken over part of the adjoining wood. We stripped off in a tent, then joined fellow walkers on a 2k walk through the wood, crossing over to another part of the grounds where there’s a yew maze, and then back to the registration area. The weather – which, of course, I must mention – was much cooler than it had been the previous two days, with a fresh breeze.
The wood itself was magical. As we approached the registration area, we passed under a tall canopy of trees forming a shaded avenue. The path through the wood brought lots of surprises. There were immense pine and other types of trees, some with fantastical shapes. There were little stone bridges and one longer wooden one, which we crossed over along the way. The remains of an old stone building were covered with lush green moss. The path was occasionally shaded by a canopy of trees, reminding me of being a kid playing in a pine-covered, secret “house” in the woods.
But enough about the vegetation!
The NHW attracted around 40 walkers.  We were in the first group and met, along with several long-time naturists, three newbies.
One young couple, Emma and Max, said they’d learned of the walk when Emma’s mother sent a Facebook link with the comment, “This is something you’ll do.” Emma took up the challenge, but on the drive over, she and Max said the idea of getting naked and going outside was “scary” because it wasn’t something they were used to. They’re not scared anymore, and agreed they’d do something like this again.
The walk was “exhilarating and free,” and he’d do it again, newcomer-to-Naturism John said.
After our walk, we hung around the registration area with old and new friends and enjoyed the sunshine. We agreed that walking sans clothing was great fun and we’re up for repeating the experience!
Organisers John Rodgers and Ron O’Hare praised the helpfulness of the staff at Adlington Hall and the three volunteers who helped run the event. 

Coming Up: Catch the Wave at Some Beach Dips!

Coming Up: Catch the Wave at Some Beach Dips!

As the summer progresses, the Great British Skinny Dip calendar continues to fill up with a range of events. Besides the many recurring swims, there are newly added dips at Arundel Lido – and a growing number of beach days.
Check it out!
 
August 4
A ladies-only clothes-optional swim at Racehub, Leicestershire
 
August 7
Arundel Lido, Arundel
and also taking place on September 3
 
On August 13 there’s
Corton Beach Day, Lowestoft
St Anne's beach, Lancashire
 
August 18
Racehub, Leicestershire
 
On August 27, Peterborough Lido welcomes the swimsuit-free once again:
 
And here’s another grand day out at the beach:
September 4, Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland, is holding its second annual swim.
 
Or how about the September 17 Yaverland Beach, Isle of Wight swim?
 
And the popular Guernsey dips returns:
September 18, L’Ancresse Bay Pembroke, Guernsey
 
You’ll find information on these and all the swims here: https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events-calendar
No lecture this week on why we put such emphasis on the Great British Skinny Dip. You all know why we should – and do! – take part, and how important it is not only for British Naturism and Naturism in general but for helping the British Heart Foundation keep us heart-healthy.
You’ll find everything you need to know on the website, including social media tools, risk assessment forms for hosting swims and – importantly – a complete fundraising kit. And don’t forget to sign up for the GBSD newsletter, and follow us on social media.

Events this weekend - and beyond!

Events this weekend - and beyond!

We may be past the peak of the heat, but there are still plenty of Naturist events to go to!
 
Great British Skinny Dips
Check out the forthcoming events - some this weekend!
 
Camping
Sunnybroom - walking and camping
Fri 29 Jul- Mon 01 Aug 2022
British Naturism: Sunfolk
All season
 
Walks
Stark Trekkers walk South Downs near Wilmington
Fri 22 Jul 2022, 11:30-16:00
North Marston Naturist Walk
Fri 22 Jul 2022, 12:30
 
World Naked Bike Rides
Clacton
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 13:00
Folkestone
Sat 30th Jul 2022, 14:00
 
Events
Burrows Gardens Visit
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 12:00-16:30
Jupiter Artland
Sun 24 Jul 2022, 17:30-19:30
Naked Fitness Weekend, Sunfolk
Fri 29 - 31 Jul 2022
Farne Boat Trip
Sat 30 Jul 2022, 15:00
 
 
Swims - plenty to consider, see bn.org.uk/calendar
 
 
And keep an eye on all the other gatherings…
Events run by British Naturism - events.bn.org.uk
All other events (you can add your own!) - bn.org.uk/calendar
Online events - shop.bn.org.uk/pages/online-home
The Great British Skinny Dip - greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk

A Midsummer Night's Stream

A Midsummer Night's Stream

British Naturism's online events have been the envy of the Naturist world and we've grabbed the headlines many times for how our innovation during lockdown caused our membership to rise, including inspiring many stuck-at-home Naturists from outside the UK to join us to be able to take part.
Our online events continue; the 'community' sessions are available to members of Naturist federations (like BN) and the fitness classes  are open to all. Even session leaders need to take holidays and so the programme will run at approximately 65% strength over the summer.
We continue to innovate, however, so that you don't miss out. Some of our fitness classes instructors have recorded videos which are available to stream 24/7 to those who have purchased a block of tickets or a monthly/annual plan. Not you? Find out how to do that at https://shop.bn.org.uk/pages/naked-fitness. 
 
 
Photo by Dave Contreras on Unsplash

The Forum Live - interviewing Sophie Pavelle

The Forum Live - interviewing Sophie Pavelle

We've got a treat for you for our last The Forum Live session before we take a break for the summer. Next Monday (25th July) I will be talking to author Sophie Pavelle. Sophie was a hugely entertaining - and popular - guest speaker at Nudefest a few weeks ago. 
I'll be talking to Sophie about her debut book 'Forget Me Not: finding the forgotten species of climate change Britain' (Bloomsbury Publishing). It's a serious subject and of interest to Naturists, and follows Sophie's journey in a readable and very funny way.
Based in Devon, England, Sophie is a writer and science communicator. Sharing adventurous, overlooked stories about British nature to wide audiences, she puts a contemporary twist on the natural history genre. Sophie works for Beaver Trust, and she presented their award-winning documentary Beavers Without Borders. She is also an Ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts and sits on the RSPB England Advisory Committee. Her writing has appeared in New Scientist, The Metro, BBC Countryfile, BBC Wildlife and Coast magazines.
BN/Nudefest discount still live!
Buy Forget Me Not via Bloomsbury here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/forget-me-not-9781472986214/ Enter this code at the checkout for 25% off (valid until end of September): FMN25
FMN_A5_flyer_discount.pdf
Join the session via the online events tab in the BN shop

The Great British Skinny Dip - now's the time!

The Great British Skinny Dip - now's the time!

If there was ever a great time to plan/attend a Great British Skinny Dip, this is it. Some of you may have hesitated to jettison your clothes and leap into a pool, lido, a river, the sea or some other suitable, safe venue out of fear of developing goose bumps. Fear no longer! Enjoy the feel of cool water on your naked skin on a hot day. 
Looking for somewhere to dip? Why not try one of these?
21 July 
Race Hub, Leicestershire - their first event this year in June went so well they've added another!
July 23:
Oxnat, Didcot
Spectrum Swim, Birmingham
Peterborough Lido, Peterborough
July 30 
Mildenhall Naturist Swimming Club, Bury St Edmunds
July 31
Avonvale Sun Club, Ringwood
August 9
Beacon Tarn Naked Walk & Skinny Dip, Ulverston
Shap Lido, Penrith
August 13
Corton Beach Day, Lowestoft
Wigton, Wigton
Spectrum, Birmingham
 
You’ll find information on these and later swims here: https://www.greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk/events-calendar
 
If you’re still wondering why we keep going on about the Great British Skinny Dip, here are some further thoughts.
First— when it comes to skinny dips, attendance size doesn’t matter! The idea is to encourage people to enjoy – or experience for the first time – the pleasures of swimming costume-free. Events might attract loads of people or, as with the July 9 GBSD at Kerensa Cottage, Somerset, just a few. But those few had a great time on a lovely day and raised £70 for the British Heart Foundation, organiser Chris Howat reports. That’s what matters.
And that brings me to our second reason for the GBSD - raising funds for the BHF and using our closer relationship with the charity to inform the wider public about the health and well-being aspects of Naturism. 
Third, when you bring friends, family and colleagues to dips, you’re helping spread the word about the many benefits of Naturism and promote greater understanding of what social nudity is all about.
You’ll find everything you need on the dedicated GBSD website including social media tools, risk assessment forms for hosting swims and – importantly – a complete fundraising kit. And don’t forget to tell people to sign up for the GBSD newsletter (via the GBSD website footer) and follow us on social media.