By Alan Johnson
Copyright dailystar
A man who stumbled upon a naturist spot has voiced his ‘disappointment’ on social media, after the bizarre encounter took him completely off guard. Posting on Reddit, he shared a photograph of a warning notice he’d come across in the area, which included detailed legal information about the lifestyle choice . The sign stated: “You may enjoy encounter naturists enjoying this area naked today. Simple public nudity is not illegal in England and Wales.” The notice also featured links to nudist and naturist legislation , accessible through QR code scanning. “Alas, I didn’t,” he joked, seemingly saddened it had proved to be a somewhat quiet day in terms of public nudity . Nevertheless, he subsequently admitted: “But really, I’m quite glad I didn’t.” According to the College of Policing , naturists possess a right to freedom of expression which only becomes a criminal matter if they commit sexual offences or engage in disorderly behaviour they intend to or are aware may be disorderly within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress. The guidance explains: “Naturism is defined by British Naturism as a ‘philosophical belief in a natural, naked lifestyle wherein persons espouse nudity as part or possibly all of their lifestyle’. While many confine their activities to their own private property or in clubs, many use beaches which are known as ‘naturist beaches’. “Others engage in rambling in country areas and national parks, leisure areas and public spaces. There is no legal power to designate particular areas or otherwise.” One Reddit user, having done their homework on the law, asked: “So I can legally sunbathe naked in the middle of Hyde Park?” To which the original poster humorously responded: “Yes, as long as you don’t intend to cause offence. Was the legality question all that was holding you back?” Another shared a past experience: “I bathed naked in an area that’s popular for that sort of thing, it’s also quite popular with tourists… anyway I was completely oblivious just enjoying the nice cold water on a hot summer day but my boyfriend noticed a family of American tourists that were absolutely furious! “He told me the mum was dragging her kids away absolutely enraged and saying they shouldn’t have gone there. The dad was embarrassed and the kids were confused and the youngest one was crying.” To which the original poster retorted: “Yeah, some Americans are quite happy at the number of everyday shootings in their society, but don’t dare expose a female nipple in their vicinity.” Meanwhile, a third Reddit user lamented: “We are such prudes as a nation.” This sentiment was echoed by others, including one who noted: “Very true. It’s sad, human bodies are beautiful. Sagging, wrinkles and all. It’s healthy to actually see what ageing looks like so we’re not shocked and appalled by it. “I try to be happy my body is still here, ticking away and carrying me around. I can find beauty in trees, hills, rocks, wilting flowers, the sea. Why should human bodies be any different? We’re part of nature. And we’re not here for long. It’s better to try and appreciate it!” In Scotland , the naturist laws state: “Public nudity does not constitute a specific criminal offence. Each instance must be taken on its own merit with the time, place and whether any member of the public can reasonably be said to have been placed in a state of fear and alarm. “Officers must act in accordance with our principles of proportionality, fairness and respect for Human Rights. Where a complaint is received of person or persons, naked in a public place the offences which may have been committed include: Breach of the Peace; Sec 8 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009; Public indecency.” Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here . Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter .
