Naturists demand that critics ‘go away our members alone’ as they hit again
Nudists have hit back after a row over an “illegal swingers’ campsite” – insisting naturism is about “respect”, not romps. British Naturism issued a fierce defence of its movement after headlines linked naked camping with “adult entertainment” and “open-minded events” at a controversial East Sussex site.
The clash erupted over Turn a Blind Eye, a clothing-optional campsite in Whatlington, where locals complained about noise, nudity and sexual activity. But Britain’s top naturist body says the public has got the wrong end of the beach towel.
In a strongly-worded statement titled The Truth About Naturism, the group insisted: “Naturism is non-sexual.
“It is rooted in respect. It is grounded in wellbeing.” The organisation said genuine naturism was about “community and wellbeing” – not “sexual activity or gratification”.
It added that many members use naturist spaces because they “will not be sexualised” and can “feel safe”. British Naturism also warned that using the word “naturist” to describe adult-themed businesses risked damaging the reputation of ordinary nudists.
The group said: “When ‘naturist’ is used as shorthand for something it is not, it risks reputational harm.” Naturism was defined by the organisation as “a way of life in harmony with nature” built around “self-respect, respect for others and for the environment”.
The intervention came after a planning row exploded in Whatlington, where parish councillors claimed the campsite was harming the rural character of the village. One complaint came after a farmer’s young son reportedly saw a naked couple having sex while driving past on a tractor.
But the campsite owners insisted the pair involved were kicked off the site and argued such behaviour “could have happened at any campsite”.
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