Photo by: Richard Bloom
British Heart Foundation:
Naked Heart Walk
15 June | 17:30 – 20:30
We are delighted to be working with British Naturism for a second year as we host an early evening Naked Heart Walk here at Leonardslee to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
Get your heart racing on the Naked Heart Walks while you ditch your clothes or be semi-clothed and meet like-minded relaxed people as you experience the joys of being naked in the great outdoors of our 240-acre gardens. Please refer to the FAQ’s section if you have any questions.
The heart is a powerful icon. Providing us with the fundamental rhythm of life, it is a basic marker of our health and as a single point of failure reminds us of the fragility of our lives, hopes and dreams.
£15 - £35 per person
Garden entry included | The Clocktower Kitchen will be open for grab and go food | Free parking for the event
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation exists for funding research is how they are changing the game. The tools they have at their disposal from heart transplants and pacemakers to stents and portable defibrillators are all supported by research. Research made possible by people like you.
The BHF has supported Philip Baker: “The Idea of naked fundraising beyond expectation and the Naked Heart Walks we christened in 2019 have provided fantastically successful. The basic idea is not that special – after all it’s just a walk in the park, but there were and are some challenges to overcome and we must still be segregated from the public.”
Many more people took up naturism during Covid and the latest poll, commissioned by British Naturism, shows the vast majority in the UK are tolerant and unfazed by meeting the odd naked person or a World Naked Bike Ride crowd.
Naked Heart Walks
The first Naked Heart Walk was two years in the making due to Covid. Eighty people came from as far afield as Cornwall, South Wales, Lancashire and Yorkshire to Painshill in Surrey and raised the a truly fantastic £26,000. To create the advertising poster, some dedicated naturists came similar distances to walk naked one chilly and cloudy November morning. The public in the park that day were all amazed at our hardiness and expressed support for our event. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the volunteers who made it happen and to our BHF manager who took the plunge on the event day and walked with us saying that she would never get the chance again.
For 2023, the members of East Sussex Naturists who are also BHF volunteers and members of British Naturism, are organising their third annual Naked Heart Walk. This year have been invited by Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens to organise our event in their 240 acre Grade I listed, spectacular and ancient gardens, which are widely reputed to be amongst the very finest in England.
All the Naked Heart Walks across the country can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/naked-heart-walks-340349 . They are all designated as clothes-optional for 2023, so shy partners can take part too. But our hope is that they will be curious and perhaps tempted to experience the benefits and sensations that being without clothes brings to the ordinary and everyday. Our memories are particularly good at remembering novel experiences. The good news is that everything done naked is a new and novel experience! Best of all your heart will be benefiting in so many ways.
FAQ’s for British Heart Foundation:
Naked Heart Walk
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Q: What is this event?
A: In 2019 a small group of British Heart Foundation (BHF) volunteers who happened to also be naturists (and members of British Naturism (BN)) were asked to make a BHF funding group and were asked what their hobby was. So we said getting naked out in the sun. And the Naked Heart Walk was born. The first walk raised over £25,000 and we hope it brings naturists to the public eye and promotes tolerance for our relaxed and healthy activity.
Q: Will the gardens be accessible for Leonardslee during this event?
A: No
Q: Is there a discounted ticket for Leonardslee Members?
A: No
Q: Is this event just for naturists?
A: No. You are free to wear as little or as much as you like. We aim to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and showcase the benefits of naturism, fresh air and exercise. Naturists are a friendly bunch so don’t be shy to strike up a conversation. A good question is ‘We are/I am curious - what is naturism all about?’.
Q: Can I book in advance or pay on the day?
A: You must book in advance and bring your ticket with you along with your BN membership card or other form of photo ID. This is to ensure the integrity of the event.
Q: When does it start?
A: There will be a registration desk where medical and photography consent (or not) wristbands will be available. The walk will start at 17:30 after a short briefing. The start will be indicated by a large BHF banner. The event ends at 20:30.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Only the BN authorized photographer is allowed to take photos, and participants will be given a coloured wrist band to indicate their consent – or not – to be included in pictures.
Q: Must I get sponsorship?
A: One theme of the NHW’s is to raise money for the life-saving work of BHF. There are two price points, a lower one with a pledge to raise sponsorship and a higher one with no requirement for sponsorship.
Q: Do I have to take my clothes off?
A: If you are new to naturism then this is the perfect incentive to give it a go, and for a good cause. We accept some people may prefer to wear clothes; if that’s you then bring a bag as you may change your mind half way around when you see the others enjoying all that naturism brings.
Q: What happens if it raining?
A: We get wet! Normal naturist protocol applies and if it turns cold then you put on a mac. The event will still go ahead and the weather won’t dampen the fun.
Q: What else should I bring?
A: Proper walking boots or sturdy shoes are a must. Likewise, consider a hat or sun cream if it’s hot and bring some water.
Q: What if I don’t know anybody?
A: Tell the BN steward you are by yourself and they’ll make you feel welcome and introduce you to the others. For some people new to naturism, the anonymity of these events can be a real bonus.
Q: How long is the walk and are refreshments available?
A: There will be a longer walk of about 5km and a shorter accessible route that is wheelchair friendly.
Both the cafe and bar will be open.
Q: Can I bring my children and a dog?
A: These events are for 18+ only. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Q: Do I get a certificate for taking part?
You get a BHF medal! A bonus of these walks, apart from the body positive benefits of naturism and raising money for a good cause, is to share the experience with your friends before the event to raise sponsorship and afterward by showing off your medal as a conversation starter.