My first Naked Heart Walk during the early evening of 6^th Sept 25 was a perfect way to visit the stunning College Lake Nature Reserve, near Tring in Hertfordshire.

College Lake, once a chalk quarry, is now one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserves, supporting more than 1,000 different wildlife species.

Providing three different walking routes the longest ‘Wild Trail’ is a two-mile self-guided walk around the edge of the lake. Although you could easily choose to make up your own route and wander. For those that joined us, it provided a stunning backdrop as the sun slowly set over this picturesque location.

Key BN members present included; The Chair of BN, the Eastern Region Organiser, BN’s Marketing Consultant and BN’s national lead on Volunteering.

As everyone was welcomed and briefed, Justin Dealey of BBC Three Counties Radio was also introduced, with the event having caught the eye of the local media. Justin, although not joining in with the naturism, was fully enthused, and took the opportunity to interview a few of our willing participants. This media interaction created a brief but positive and engaged piece on the radio the next morning. You can listen back via BBC Sounds here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002htgp (approx. 1 hour 8 mins in).

The venue staff didn’t seem to be fazed in the slightest and were a delight throughout. One was more than happy to host one of the bird hides, and most importantly, venue volunteers were also happy to keep the café running for teas, coffee and some amazing cakes – all vital for replenishing those burnt-off calories! 

Well done to all those involved making this happen and supporting my first Naked Heart Walk and the first British Naturism visit to this venue. It brought in both members and non-members of British Naturism, including several people that had never experience any form of naked walks before – and importantly only positive reactions and words were shared afterwards.

This Naked Heart Walk, generated a substantial donation for both the Nature Reserve and the British Heart Foundation, with one personal donation to BHF from a participant of £100. Such generosity is hugely appreciated.

A complete success for all involved, the British Heart Foundation and for naturism overall. Please check out the diary for the next Naked Heart Walks. If you are yet to try one, give it a go. They are welcoming, easily self-adapted to all fitness levels, a great place to chat with fellow naturists, and doing wonders for an important charity.

For additional information or to ask questions, contact: nigel.newman@bn.org.uk

 Tom (joined BN in July 25)