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Gran’s shock at seeing naked men strolling through Denge and Pennypot Wood near Canterbury

05:00, 22 July 2023

A grandmother was shocked to see 10 naked men trundling through the woods while she was out walking her dog.

Cazzie Walker was in Denge and Pennypot Wood, near Canterbury, on Tuesday when she spotted the men, believed to be taking part in an outing planned by a naturist group.

A group of nude walkers were spotted in Denge and Pennypot Woods near Canterbury. Picture: Cazzie Walker
A group of nude walkers were spotted in Denge and Pennypot Woods near Canterbury. Picture: Cazzie Walker

The 63-year-old said: “At first, I thought they were all wearing skin-coloured suits, but then I realised they were actually naked and I was shocked.

“I had my German shepherd with me and she went up for a sniff, so I shouted to them: ‘Don’t worry, she’s already had her dinner!’”

The Waltham resident has lived in the area for 30 years but has never seen anything like it on her regular forest walks.

She added: “When I said that they laughed, they were alright.

“Although, I couldn’t help but look at ‘it’.”

Cazzie Walker was in woodland near Canterbury when she saw the nudist group. Picture: Cazzie Walker
Cazzie Walker was in woodland near Canterbury when she saw the nudist group. Picture: Cazzie Walker

The grandmother was not offended but can see why others may have been uncomfortable.

She does however believe there's a time and a place for baring all.

“They have parks and nudist camps and from a child's point of view, I don't think they should be in public places,” she explained.

“It would have been a shock for my eight-year-old granddaughter if she had seen it.”

The men were thought to be a part of the club Naturist Ramblers, as the organisation’s website shows a stroll in Denge Woods planned on the same day Ms Walker saw them.

A group called the Naturist Ramblers were taking part in a walk in Denge & Pennypot Wood, to Cazzie Walker’s surprise. Picture: Cazzie Walker
A group called the Naturist Ramblers were taking part in a walk in Denge & Pennypot Wood, to Cazzie Walker’s surprise. Picture: Cazzie Walker

The group’s website says members do not have to necessarily cover up when they cross paths with people, but there are situations when they do, such as approaching children.

The website reads: “Many people ask about the legality of our style of nude walking.

“In 2018, the College of Policing produced a briefing note for use by the police.

“This states that ‘in the lawful situation where there is an absence of any sexual context in relation to nudity and where the person does not intend the behaviour to be and is not aware that it may be disorderly, it will not be appropriate to take any police action’.

“The note provides advice to police call handlers stating that passive nudity in public, which includes naked rambling, is considered lawful activity and that no police action is necessary.

“As a result of this guidance, we now generally only 'cover up' in the following circumstances: When passing close to property or active farms/farmyards; When walking along roads; or If we are approaching children.

“When we do meet textiles (people wearing clothes) we do not necessarily cover up. When we meet them, it is important to behave in a relaxed and pleasant manner.”

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