Foresters' love of nature and nudity

Faye Hatcher meets naturists Graham and Sandra at The Pines

If you go down to the woods today, you're in for a big surprise. That is if you weren't expecting to see a group of people without any clothes on.

The Pines Outdoor Club is situated at a secret location in eight acres of woodland in the Forest of Dean. BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Faye Hatcher was invited to the group's summer barbecue.

It gives you a sense of freedom. Sort of being at one with nature. And when you've got your clothes off we're all equal. Brian, naturist

She was guided to the hidden location by one of the group's members, Brian, after being met at a pre-arranged meeting point - normal practice for anyone attending The Pines for the first time.

Brian told her how and why he became involved in naturism: "I first discovered it on Studland beach in Dorset, and after a while I found out there was a naturist evening held in the swimming baths in Gloucester.

Welcome

"There I met a very well known and famous naturist called Gerry Ryland who was very much involved with setting up The Pines, and he told me about the place.

"That was about seven or eight years ago, I was met up here and was given such a warm welcome. Everyone is so very friendly, you immediately feel right at home."

Many members say they're attracted to The Pines by its tranquility

So what's the attraction of being able to walk around with no clothes on? Brian told Faye: "It gives you a sense of freedom. Sort of being at one with nature. And when you've got your clothes off we're all equal.

"You don't look at somebody and think 'Oh, what a snazzy suit' - you've got no idea what rank or status in society people have got - they're just people who happen to have no clothes on.

"And swimming of course - swimming with a bathing costume on is an absolute nonsense. I mean, what's the point?"

Precautions

So are there any special precautions that need to be taken, considering most people aren't wearing clothes?

"Most of what we do is completely safe in the buff," said Brian. "You've got to be a bit careful obviously around the barbecue, and people will often put an apron on to keep the sparks away.

"As you know, volleyball is a very popular sport among naturists, but I've not seen anyone get dreadfully injured in any way."

Another member John, who is on the committee which helps manage the grounds, explained how the secret location was set up:

"The site, which was originally all woodland, was purchased in the 1960s by a couple who wanted to start naturism in Gloucestershire. They had a circle of friends who were similarly inclined.

"It was formalised in 1972 when they sold the plot to the existing members and it became the property of the membership, which has continued ever since.

And John too said he was drawn to naturism because of the feeling of freedom: "It's a freedom you don't experience anywhere else or under any other circumstances," he said.

"Obviously there are lots of places where naturism can be practiced but not many around here."