Hi, this is my first post and I'm not entirely sure this is relevant to bird watching.
As a regular visitor to Budby South forest, Nottinghamshire RSPB reserve I'm often rewarded by spotting Crossbills, tree pippets, woodlarks etc. Unfortunately on my last couple of visits I've had to deal with the sight of a nude gentleman walking through the heathland and scrub in nowt but his trainers and back pack. I know getting back to nature is a good thing but without your kecks? Come on! There are often youngsters and lone female birders at this reserve and I'm pretty sure that's not what they want to see. I've challenged him on his behaviour but he totally ignores me and goes on his way. Where does the law stand on this and has anyone else visiting Budby witnessed the lone naturist?
I think it may be the famous ...... either Stephen Gough aka "The Naked Rambler" or one of the numerous other people who is sadly follow in his footsteps so to speak. I have a walking friend who has encountered this chap on one of her mammoth walks when she was with her friend. You can google The Naked Rambler for more info and arrests ! As you say, not nice for ladies or families to suddenly encounter this type of thing.
Being somewhat reluctant to encourage Dutch (who looks like he/she is just spoiling for a fight and to continue their rhetoric) I will just quote:
It is an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 which prohibits “disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress”
and it is NOT an offence to take photographs in a public place without the persons consent unless, for instance, the photo is considered to be indecent; if Dutch considers the photograph to be taken unlawfully then in this case it would be under that banner of "indecency" .........which is clearly opposite to what Dutch is saying. As for invasion of privacy, Peter's photo would not be considered "an invasion of privacy" under the current law as he did not confront the man nor impede him in any way to take the photo which was in a public place. I will not be responding again to this thread as there is no need to, the facts are clear.