2020.04.22 Daily Star
More people than ever are getting their kit off as naturist group memberships soar.
The number of new people signing up to British Naturism, the country’s national organisation for those who like to spend their time in the buff, has risen by more than 100% this month (April) since the coronavirus lockdown began.
People are making the most of isolation by stripping off in their gardens and on their balconies while the organisation is putting on a number of online events for interested parties to dip their toes into.
Commercial manager Andrew Welch thinks this trend will continue when those living in Britain are given more freedom for their new outdoor pursuit.
He said: “British Naturism is generally an establishment that is quite anti-establishment - if people like to take their clothes off in public then maybe they don’t want to be part of a group.
“But new members have doubled in April so I think the current situation is having an impact.
“Most naturists are just run of the mill people who don’t strip off for the sake of it.
“When the lockdown is relaxed I’m sure more people will start to take their nakedness outside, trying something new.”
The temperature in Britain could reach 25C this week while April is set to be the hottest for 361 years.
Such heat often attracts more people to ditch their clothes and give naturism a try, but now they are having to confine their activities to the comfort of their own homes.
Virtual events supported by British Naturism include naked yoga, a naked ‘pub crawl’ and the upcoming World Naked Gardening Day on May 2.
Marketing manager Andrew added: “Life is too short to be constricted by outdated rules about what to wear (or not to wear more importantly).
“There are more important things to worry about off the back of this situation.
“People may be more tolerant.
“Just because something doesn’t suit you, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
“I think we’ll see new additions to the community when it’s safe to organise outside events again.”
