It would be good if they put out a statement pointing out that naked walking is legal and differentiating it from those engaged in criminal acts - even better, in the interests of inclusivity, they promoted the benefits of naturism in a similar vein to how they support other activities and interests.
I can't ever see them doing that but they have said in Nottingham live that naturism is lawful and there is nothing they can do about it.
Nottingham County Council’s communities chief Mick Allen said: “Naturism in appropriate circumstances is legal, and we are not therefore in a position to ban naturists from Sherwood Forest. https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/nudists-spotted-in-sherwood-forest-5750256
Nottingham County Council’s communities chief Mick Allen said: “Naturism in appropriate circumstances is legal
I wonder what circumstances he thinks are inappropriate for naturism, that would make it illegal.
The big three. Mental illness, sexual activity and intent to cause fear and alarm. Other than that there is nothing that would be illegal
76 signatures to the petition suggests it's grinding to a stop very quickly, and after all that media attention too. It's almost like the vast majority of people don't care!
This may all just blow over yet.
The big three. Mental illness, sexual activity and intent to cause fear and alarm. Other than that there is nothing that would be illegal
Note he said "naturism," not nudity. If it was sexual activity or there was intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress (or fear) it would not be naturism. Mental illness would not necessarily preclude naturism, it would depend on who was suffering and in what form - naturism can be beneficial for mental health.
However, my point was that by phrasing it as he did, "naturism in appropriate circumstances is legal" he is adding to the misconception that it should be practised only in designated places, or at least in limited conditions.
Obviously, although legal, we would not go naked in the High Street or on the beach at Margate on a Bank Holiday Monday (sadly...) but it's the misleading tone and implication of his phrasing that I was getting at.
I've reported it to Change.org as a "Policy Violation" due to the false representation of the law.
So have I.
Here's the response I received to my reportHello,
'Thank you for taking the time to report this content. This message has been generated automatically based on the information you have provided. Change.org is an open platform and we care about free speech and empowering our users to create the change they want to see. We understand that you feel this petition presents false information, though we are generally not in a position to judge what is true and untrue. However we understand it can be upsetting to see something you don't agree with online, so here are some options you may consider:
- You can start a counter petition with your perspective by clicking here: https://www.change.org/start-a-petition.
- You can contact the decision maker and ask them to offer a response to share more information about this issue.
- You can send us an article that proves the content in this petition is false, which we can pass on to the petition starter if you consent.
We know these options may not apply to every situation, so please respond to this message if you see something else you would like us to look at more closely within the petition.
Thank you,
Change.org
From US Office/Help Desk'
So a waste of time, as usual. It seems that truth and accuracy count for nothing.
Since it's not UK, they do have a point. Stating something is untrue, requires investigation into the truth and with any site that allows global participation this is very difficult indeed. Let’s face it even in the UK, there is the national law, guidance of that law, then local by-laws, plus any conditions from the owners of the land - so I'm not surprised at all they don't want to get involved. The suggestion to start a counter petition may sound good and I'm sure would get a lot more than 80 signatures, but would is the change the counter petition wants? The right to be naked - already have it, A law to stop people objecting - can't do that - it is their right to do so. A formal area clearly stating it is a CO area (similar to CO beaches) - well its almost there, but probably many of us would object to that, since it implies you can only be naked in approved designated areas.
I've not been on the petition site, but what would be useful (if you can't do it) is to be able to not support the petition with a reason, so it is balanced - perhaps suggesting this to them so a true view of people can be expressed rather than it being just one sided.
The county council have never promoted naturism in the first place so I cannot see how they could possibly stop doing so.
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
@gwalterj - Don't forget the county councillor who wants to generate a headline or three and latches on to what s/he thinks is a suitable subject to raise profile and garner votes. Lack of immediate jurisdiction has never stopped that sort of interference.
Noli illegitimi te carborundum
@pjelec You have raised the interesting concept of a petition against "wild cannon" councillors. LOL
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
I have just carried out an internet search for the reports at Sherwood Forest and the amount of reports from all over the world is comical, Budby common is now Bees Be-something or other, the daily star have us down as a cult. and a nudist colony.
one report had the 1000 year oak tree in Japan ?
The New York Post has us down as bands of men frolicking in the woods. WTF?
All seems a long way off from me walking my Dog, Gildo and several others enjoying the country side as nature intended.
I feel for Poor Old Mrs Robinson but hopefully Dustin Hoffman will throw his Penarth in and as for Joe DiMaggio.... Who knows?
How's the petition going?
81. I wonder how many actually know where Sherwood is or are local.
@tribalbrit It is a funny old world but it is just a storm in a tea cup. the petition is going nowhere and the news media have had their fun and it will all be forgotten about. The petitioner may get quite a surprise as certain actions are underway, I can't say more at present. The one issue remaining is that certain individuals may have got the wrong idea about us and may be more likely to challenge us. We just have to brave it out and hope things go back to normal soon.You will have seen that it has been made clear that it is not illegal to be naked in public and that message must be much more widely known now. Stick with it, don't let a small minority spoil the enjoyment we get from or way of life.
My wife went to wake today for an ex neighbour that died during lock down so didn't have a proper send off.
While there she got talking to a woman and for some reason the conversation went onto the reports in the news of the petition. This woman saying how terrible it is that Sherwood Forest is being over run by naked doggers. My wife corrected her saying the reports were of naturists not doggers.
The woman was insistent that it is definitely doggers and perverts and she should know because she works in the visitors centre and if anyone asks she tells them all about it.
As my wife thought it wrong to punch the woman in the nose at a wake she left the woman to her ramblings.
Lord help us. 🙄🤬