To think the RSPB shouldn’t say if you don’t want to see naked men stay away from the woods/public footpaths?

[CovidCorvid]

So 2 years ago I visited Sherwood forest and was by myself in the forest when I came across 3 naked men. Which was a little unsettling for a woman by herself. It was in a quieter part of the forest so at that moment nobody else about and I hadn’t seen anyone for a while. On a public footpath.

I spoke to some (clothed) men about it further along the path and they said it’s a common occurrence and that the police are frequently getting called and tell them to get dressed.

It’s in the news currently as larger groups of naked men have been seen again. Seems the main areas they stick to are managed by the RSPB who seem to be encouraging it. The land may be managed by the rspb but they’re public footpaths, not a pay as you enter nature reserve. The bit I actually saw the men in wasn’t the rspb bit but there’s no fence/demarcation between them.

RSPB say if you don’t want to see naked men then stay away! Ffs. Why is it the naked men get to ruin things for other people? The police say it’s illegal if someone is offended. 🤷‍♀️

www.visitsherwood.co.uk/plan-your-visit/naturism-on-rspb-reserves/

Naturism can be problematic. There are real issues around consent, both in the OPs case, she didn't consent to be exposed to naked males, and around naturist families where children are involved in naturist groups. It is not at all surprising that a woman encountering an unexpected naked man would be alarmed.

Previous threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4003361-Meeting-naturists-when-hill-walking-would-you-be-worried?pg=1

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3837133-protecting-naturism

Jess Bradley was a naturist www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/art-buff-join-in-the-naked-tea-871089 and into flashing too... www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3320513-Jess-Bradley-first-transgender-student-officer-suspended-after-flashing-photos?pg=1

Thi

And yet, if the Op had been raped in the woods, people would be saying that she shouldn't have been there alone, what was she wearing etc. Men, it seems, can go about their lives supremely indifferent to thoughts of are they clothed appropriately, or indeed, at all.

I just don't get what these naturists are getting out of it tbh. It's not a fetish? Just a nice thing to do with your mates. Nothing to see here. Right, ok.

Certainly no signs. Some of the local news reports quote locals say it’s really only been an issue since 2020. Sounds like it’s been done by one or two local men for some years but they’ve now set up a fb group encouraging others to come and it’s become a bit of a draw for nudists.

Certainly I’ve been going to Sherwood, including the quieter areas of Budby frequently for over 40 years and never seen anything until 2 years ago. My parents were keen bird watchers and used to take me there as a kid….I guess that’s why I like the quieter areas still. Familiar, childhood walks.

If there aren't any warnings on-site then there should be. Again, all fine - to some extent - as long as people are actively informed. Putting a nice statement away on a website isn't achieving that.

@GCITC
The quotation from CPS I have put above makes it clear that it is not just about intent. If you do cause alarm and distress without intent then it can still be an offence.

I understand what you're saying GCITC my point is that an unknown naked man is distressing to encounter for most women therefore if you choose to be a naked man in a place where non naturist women are likely to be surely that means you are at least dismissing the distress you are knowingly causing. As others have said having something to hand to cover themselves with would go towards the idea they did not wish to distress others.

Public nudity is not illegal

@QueenofDestruction

I have no issue with nakedness, its the way we were born to be fair. The british are so victorian about it.

I don't have a big issue with it if I know why (have seen naked people on the beach for example), but if I just walked into some naked men outside, I might be shocked and think they were flashers or even rapists. What was OP supposed to think if she didn't know it was a nudist area?

@Jerima

Public nudity is not illegal

It can be if it offends people.

As others have said having something to hand to cover themselves with would go towards the idea they did not wish to distress others.

As you can't see intent, the presence or absence of a coverup might be a good proxy to indicate good intent/otherwise.

Yes, and hats and rucksacks.

Not proper naturism then

There is a sign up there stating that nudists are welcome but must remain clothed in the car park. It's been the case for over 40 years btw. Apparently it's just the media has discovered this last year and that publicity has drawn more and larger groups to the woods who didn't know about it being clothing optional. If you are of a sensitive disposition I would avoid that specific area because it's literally the only place in Nottinghamshire of its type, you won't find nudists elsewhere

Well, let's face it(!) most men aren't that attractive when they are nude, are they? Not Michelangelo's David, more like a wrinkly prune.

Sorry to be dense, but how do we tall the difference between a naturist and an exhibitionist or a flasher?

If you're a bloke who gets a sexual thrill from appearing in front of unsuspecting women and kids naked, why wouldn't you go to this place?

[quote ChazsBrilliantAttitude]@GCITC
The quotation from CPS I have put above makes it clear that it is not just about intent. If you do cause alarm and distress without intent then it can still be an offence.[/quote]

I've said that even if you don't have intent, but you know it will cause alarm and distress and you do it anyway then surely there is an element of intent.

"(such as someone flashing an unsuspecting bystander)."

OP was an unsuspecting bystander.

@gogohm

There is a sign up there stating that nudists are welcome but must remain clothed in the car park. It's been the case for over 40 years btw. Apparently it's just the media has discovered this last year and that publicity has drawn more and larger groups to the woods who didn't know about it being clothing optional. If you are of a sensitive disposition I would avoid that specific area because it's literally the only place in Nottinghamshire of its type, you won't find nudists elsewhere

I’ve never seen a sign there and like I said earlier I’ve been going to Sherwood for over 40 years. Where are the signs, just at the main Sherwood carpark? The last few times I went I didn’t park in the main car park and instead have either biked or walked for the edges of the forest…..but no signs as you come into the rspb managed areas. Certainly not two years ago or even six months ago when I biked from clumber to Sherwood pines and would have biked along the boundary of Sherwood Forest.

@LoislovesStewie

Well, let's face it(!) most men aren't that attractive when they are nude, are they? Not Michelangelo's David, more like a wrinkly prune.

And even David’s not perfect, his hands are too big.

As said upthread, it is only an offence if the act is intended to cause distress

They'd be fucking distressed if I walked down the High Street stark naked.

I don't think the answer can realistically be telling non naturists to avoid Sherwood Forest, its a pretty well known tourist attraction with a funfair and lots of family events. Its been more prevalent since the RSPB took over as the visitors centre and funfair have been pushed further away and there's very little staff visibility in the cirest areas any more. When I saw them we were very close to the Major Oak, hardly in an off the beaten track designated area. I have no issue with them being naked in the right areas where there are signs etc but that isn't whats happening any more.

Can't say I'd be offended. They're only bodies and I know what they look like whether they are covered up or not.

I would be very offended to see a strange man naked. (Actually i would also be if it was a woman). Fence off and sign these areas if you want to allow naturists (indeed they can pay for this). Bloody hell is no place safe anymore.............................

There was a thread (with a petition) about this yesterday.

epic thread