'Why I turned to naturism at 50'

Amanda Crank has wanted to try naturism for years

A woman has fulfilled her dream of strolling through the countryside completely naked, aside from her trainers and socks.

For more than 16 years, Amanda Crank said she wanted to embrace naturism but was held back by former partners who misunderstood it as something sexual.

A few months ago, she joined Spielplatz, the UK's longest-running naturist resort nestled in the countryside near Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire, and has notlooked back since.

The 50-year-old has now walked naked in public for the first time - joining fellow naturists in a fundraising ramble at College Lake near Tring - and said she loved it.

"Yeah, it's gorgeous here. Everyone's really friendly, and there's no judgment," she explained.

"You don't look at somebody and think, 'Oh, you know, they're rich or poor'. You just look at them as a person."

In 2022, an Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism found 14% of people surveyed described themselves as nudists or naturists.

This was an increase on a 2011 poll by the Naturism Group, where 6% identified in the same way.

Explaining why it took so long for her to follow her dream, she said: "Ex-partners didn't want me to do it, or they didn't want to do it.

"And just stigma where people don't think it's right or they think it's a sexual thing when it's not."

A charity walk through College Lake in Tring was organised by British Naturism

Colin Taylor, chairman of British Naturism, was part of the 60-strong walk at College Lake, which had been cleared of the public before the group arrived.

Speaking about why he enjoyed it, he said: "I just get a feeling of freedom, of back to basics, back to nature, and we're in this fantastic reserve.

"Clothes are a man-made thing... Society's decided we should cover up.

"We believe we don't need to unless we have to. If it's cold, I'll put clothes on."

He said outdoor events only took place in summer and during colder seasons; the group have naked dining events and Christmas parties.

"We did a trip to a museum down in Eastbourne a couple of years ago... I think we had about 25 there," he added.

"It's just like walking around a museum with your clothes on, except you haven't got them on."

Colin Taylor, chairman of British Naturism, said the group organises regular naked events

In England and Wales, public nudity is not illegal unless it is intended to cause alarm or distress, which must be proven by the complainant.

The Crown Prosecution Service said there had to be a balance between naturists' rights and public protection from distress.

As the group appreciated the natural beauty of the lakes in Tring, Ms Crank encouraged others to join.

She said: "Just do it. Just strip off, get out in nature and enjoy your life."