If you’re looking to get a back garden glow while avoiding tan lines, think twice before stripping off. Police have warned that you could be breaking the law
As temperatures rise across the nation, many of us will be taking advantage of the sunny weather at beaches, parks, and other outdoor areas this weekend.
And if you’re fortunate enough to have a garden, what could be better than enjoying the balmy weather in your own private space, away from crowded public areas and scantily clad strangers?
If you’re planning on sunbathing in your garden, you might consider going au naturel to avoid unsightly tan lines. However, caution is advised as police warn that nudity in your own private garden could potentially breach the law.
In England and Wales, public nudity is not inherently illegal, but there are stipulations. It becomes an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 if nudity is intended to cause “distress or alarm”.
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The Crown Prosecution Service states: “In the case of naturism, a balance needs to be struck between the naturist’s right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress.”
While you may be within your own property when in your garden, those residing in terraced houses will know that it’s often quite easy to get a peek into your neighbour’s garden, even without intending to pry.
Although you may not be physically exposing yourself in public, there’s a risk of causing “distress or alarm” to your neighbours when you’re sans attire in your own garden – it’s only deemed illegal if there was an intent behind the action.
So, how do you go about safely sunbathing naked without stirring the pot with those who live next door?
The police recommend giving the neighbours a heads up if you’re planning to soak up the rays in the buff, and to try and find a spot that’s hidden from prying eyes for your naked retreat.
There was a case in Reigate where Surrey Police addressed this very topic after a dispute erupted among residents.
They cautioned: “If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours then you have to be careful – an Englishman’s home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law.”
“In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police. In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions.”
But despite these warnings, the law stipulates that an offence only occurs if the individual in question intended to cause alarm or distress.
British Naturism says there is “no obligation” to inform neighbours of one’s disposition towards naturalist sunbathing.
They said: “There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest nor can your neighbours make you cover up.
“Being neighbourly might mean you tell your neighbours that you plan to sunbathe naked but there is no obligation to do so, so don’t hesitate.
“Studies have shown that spending time naked is good for you, and so we encourage everyone to take advantage of the wonderful weather and celebrate their uniqueness.”
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