As I understand it, there was no problem before. Obviously, the naturists already avoided the busy areas, as always (I tend not to use Tesco naked!). Common sense prevailed, and everyone pretty much got along OK. Now, for some unknown reason, these notices have appeared and segregation, or ghettoization, imposed. The notices are poorly worded with the crucial words "intent" and "intentionally" omitted from the references to "alarm, distress or harassment" (lifted from S66 SOA) potentially prompting people to feel alarmed or distressed, which has a somewhat different meaning in law.
Whilst "respect" is of course laudable, in my view it is not respectful to decide other people's reactions or views for them, in advance.
I hope this is two steps forward and one step back and not the other way round.
Time will tell.
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
Tribalbrit reckons the notices are having a positive effect, so for all their faults (as we see them) it seems to be of benefit. Be interesting to see how things develop over the coming weeks, especially with the good weather likely increasing footfall.
Noli illegitimi te carborundum
Let's not forget that the RSPB would be within their rights to ban all naturism on their property (apart from on rights of way) as other occupiers of property can insist on dress codes or behavioral standards and take action to enforce that policy if they so wished.
The position was succinctly summed up by Lord Justice Scrutton in The Calgarth when, in explaining a fundamental principle of English law he said: “When you invite a person into your house to use the staircase, you do not invite him to slide down the banisters, you invite him to use the staircase in the ordinary way in which it is used.”
As pointed out by posters above, BN recommends the use of a cover up and it is only considerate to others to carry one for the reasons mentioned. Being considerate to others is, in my opinion, a central tenet of naturism we should all abide by.
@pjelec let the signs stay then in a fairly short time people will read them and understand more. The , next year, liaise with the land owners to change them. Achieving the goal in a few steps is better than not getting there at all.
You can also get a Right To Responsible access movement going along the same lines as Scotland
Let's not forget that the RSPB would be within their rights to ban all naturism on their property (apart from on rights of way) as other occupiers of property can insist on dress codes or behavioral standards and take action to enforce that policy if they so wished.
This land is open access land it is not private property, it is not their land they simply manage it for Thoresby estates. They cannot ban something that is perfectly lawful without the risk of prosecution for discrimination. That is why they have used the words discouraged because they don't have the power or resource to say anything else.
The RSPB have now published their policy on Naturism on their web site and I have posted the link here https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/plan-your-visit/naturism-on-rspb-reserves/
I believe that signs will also be put up on site with this information.
I just found this on the RSPB forum along with a picture of a naturist walking in an RSPB property. If it's anyone who's on here you can, if you wish, lodge a complaint with the RSPB to have your photo removed from the forum.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/chat/f/hello/208442/too-close-to-nature/1353235#1353235
Please! dont insult my intelligence. I fully understand your point. But there are far worse cases of discrimination than a few naturists walking among the general population.
You yourselves have reported that you referred to the notice to put an ignoramas in his place.
I dont feel discriminated against, I actually feel that the RSPB have gone out of their way to support our case and you yourself have been instrumental in this cause. If a few compromises are needed to keep the peace , so be it.
I have noticed a difference, Tibetan Hat and his partner have too. Life is about compromise and this is one of them.
Discrimamination is far beyond this. Life is to short. Do what we do and enjoy
@tribalbrit As a first attempt at informing the wider public that naturists may be encountered , it is not bad. A year down the line, when the initial bluster has died away, then, when the RSPB realise that the earth did not stop spinning, that gravity still ensures that apples fall to the ground then reach out to them and "adjust the wording".
Please! dont insult my intelligence.
I did not insult your intelligence, I simply provided some information. I think you have chosen to be insulted which is fine by me.
Interesting thread. From my perspective, I think its that the previous engagement of Gildo with different agencies has paid real dividends.
In reality, the RSPB are trying to balance the needs of all customers and have positively engaged in a way that is incredibly rare.
Everyone will have a different view on how it has come across, but I applaud them for taking that step.
We have our views on naturism, but changing perceptions and culture will take time.
Is it perfect - probably not. Is it a start? Definitely!
Interesting thread. From my perspective, I think its that the previous engagement of Gildo with different agencies has paid real dividends.
In reality, the RSPB are trying to balance the needs of all customers and have positively engaged in a way that is incredibly rare.
Everyone will have a different view on how it has come across, but I applaud them for taking that step.
We have our views on naturism, but changing perceptions and culture will take time.
Is it perfect - probably not. Is it a start? Definitely!
Now that's how you sum up a situation in a way we can all get on with, well done and thanks!
The RSPB have now published their policy on Naturism on their web site and I have posted the link here https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/plan-your-visit/naturism-on-rspb-reserves/
I believe that signs will also be put up on site with this information.
I just found this on the RSPB forum along with a picture of a naturist walking in an RSPB property. If it's anyone who's on here you can, if you wish, lodge a complaint with the RSPB to have your photo removed from the forum.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/chat/f/hello/208442/too-close-to-nature/1353235#1353235
I met that guy last week, ironically he lives 200 miles away, down South and only stopped off for a walk on his way up North to see his family.
Interesting thread. From my perspective, I think its that the previous engagement of Gildo with different agencies has paid real dividends.
In reality, the RSPB are trying to balance the needs of all customers and have positively engaged in a way that is incredibly rare.
Everyone will have a different view on how it has come across, but I applaud them for taking that step.
We have our views on naturism, but changing perceptions and culture will take time.
Is it perfect - probably not. Is it a start? Definitely!
Now that's how you sum up a situation in a way we can all get on with, well done and thanks!
Bless you mate .... Thankyou.
Seems like the RSPB has a common sense approach, judging by the content of their guidelines.
Being naked is one of the simple joys of life.