What are you doing on Saturday?

Me? I’m planning to spend as much of the day as possible without clothes because this Saturday is BN’s (British Naturism) Great British Take-off.

The idea is just to experience naturism and home nudity, so all are encouraged to spend as much of the day as possible without clothes to enjoy the liberated and exhilarating feeling that comes from being naked whether indoors or out in the fresh air and sunshine. The event is also part of BN’s efforts to raise money for their charity of the year: British Heart Foundation.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that during lockdown people are dressing less (and maybe not at all) and are keen to throw out the rule book and try something new. At any time, even in lockdown, you can be nude at home: indoors or in your garden – and it is perfectly legal.

As a general rule, nudity is not illegal in UK. You are entitled to go nude in your garden even if the garden is overlooked – unless you do so with intent to cause alarm and distress. You do not need to tell your neighbours, although you may wish to.

Public nudity is also not illegal, unless (again) it is done with intent to cause offence, alarm and distress, or it is likely to result in public disorder. Going about one’s normal activities in the nude is unlikely to fall foul of such laws; the Police and CPS have clear guidelines on this. However do note that some local authorities may have bye-laws prohibiting nudity (and even toplessness), for example in parks or on beaches; the law may also be different outside England & Wales – so it is wise to check first.

I’ve blogged before about the benefits of nudity and it isn’t just that feeling of liberation that makes nudism so worthwhile. Nudity is actually good for you, both mentally and physically. There is scientific evidence (see for example here) that nudist experience has a positive effect on body image and self-esteem. Moreover nudity helps children rather than harming them; if safely exposed to nudity they seem to grow up to become more aware and better adjusted adults.

So, temperature permitting, I shall doubtless be spending as much of Saturday as possible without raiment – as I often do – around the house. Do I go nude in the garden? Yes, but discretely! I generally don’t stray more than 12 feet or so from the backdoor; although we are overlooked the neighbours would have to peer hard to see down into this space. Most times (like 99%) if I’m going beyond the ha-ha I do at least put on a pair of shorts – there’s a fine line between being free and frightening the horses.

Notwithstanding the above, I still hear you say “How can you do this?”. Well, I don’t have a problem with nudity – anyone’s nudity. I was introduced to naturism by my parents at the age of 8 or 9 and regularly saw my parents in the nude at home. In consequence I have never had a problem with nudity: whether seeing others or being seen. I’m comfortable in my skin, even if I maybe don’t like the amount of flesh it contains. So why do people have a problem? We all know what’s under your t-shirt and jeans, my t-shirt and jeans. I wear clothes to cover other people’s embarrassment (or if I’m cold).

So why not join in and spend Saturday tous déshabillés. You never know, you might enjoy it. And if not you don’t have to do it again.