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?
Dutch said:As stated previously. public nudity is not an offence, see link above which is the latest guide lines for the police to follow, not some antiquated version that others quote.
Ok, so under certain circumstances, nudity in public isn’t illegal. Lots of things aren’t illegal, but does it make it acceptable behaviour because of the legality of it?
Rudeness isn’t illegal, but no-one likes it. Finishing your first post, Dutch, with the statement ‘Get a life’ was, in my opinion, very rude. The initial post in this thread wasn’t rude, it only asked a few questions, and expressed an opinion.
So, putting rudeness aside, you’ve answered the part about the legality of it. My concern would be regarding the ethical issues of being naked in a public area, even more especially since lockdown began and more people and families are turning to easily accessible outdoor areas such as nature reserves. As was stated in the original post, there is the strong possibility here of a naked, late middle aged man encountering lone women, or families with young children. I would suggest to you that it should be the responsibility of the parents of these children to decide when and how their children are introduced to the facts about differences between male and female, adult and child. The children shouldn’t have to see it for themselves, and most certainly not in the form of a male, naked adult stranger, then be asking questions regarding things that they’re not able to process at such an age. This has the potential to be very disturbing for children.
I would personally consider this as a forced loss of innocence for some young children. You could just as easily whisper to them the fact of Santa’s true identity, it’s not illegal after all, you wouldn’t be breaking any laws, but it doesn’t make it right or acceptable. I would have thought that a responsible adult would have considered these issues before acting without regard for anything other than thinking that it’s not illegal, so it’s ok.
In my opinion, it’s not ok. I would suggest, and once again, it’s only my opinion, the gentleman could have a re-think regarding responsible decision making, and perhaps consider respecting the feelings and opinions of others, especially considering the real possibility of encountering women and children who could be very upset and traumatised by any such meeting. No-one is forcing him onto a naturist reserve, but surely there are other far more secluded places he could walk naked with zero chances of encountering children.
Theoretically, I fear that one day he could meet a family with young children who have very strong feelings on these matters, and I suspect that then laws could be broken, with sad consequences for his personal wellbeing. Just my opinion, which won’t be changed, so I’ve no inclination to comment any further.