National Trust wardens back down when you know your rights
SUN is aware of hundreds of incidents where National Trust wardens
back down when dealing with nudists who know their legal rights - if you stand up for
your rights, we can and will win!
What to do if I see a National Trust warden harassing a nudist
If you see a National Trust warden harassing someone else, go over and ask
that person if you can help... that person may not know their rights and
our experience shows that National Trust wardens prefer to pick on
people who are new to the beach. Be polite, speak in civil tones and do
not use force or abuse.
What to tell NT wardens who ask you to return their nudist zone
Be polite, speak in civil tones and do not use force or abuse. Remain calm and stand your
ground.
If they try to order you to move, say something like:
"No, I am not prepared to move from where I am and I believe that I have a prescriptive
right, established over very many years, to be here".
"I must warn you that if you
try to interfere with me physically in any way then, unless you can prove that I
have committed an arrestable offence, I will not hesitate to take legal
proceedings against you for trespass to the person and assault and battery as
may be appropriate".
If National Trust employees continue to harass you, insist that you are committing no offence
and tell them:
"I find your persistent harassment
offensive and warn you that intentional harassment is a criminal offence under the
1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. I believe I am protected
from under this act and if you continue to obstruct me I will seek
further legal assistance and may take action against you".
If you have a confrontation with the National Trust try to make sure
that you have a witness. You may very well notice that other nudists are
standing up and watching your confrontation with the wardens. Don't
hesitate to beckon somebody over. SUN has many members on the beach who
are experienced in assisting harassed nudists.
What to do if a NT warden asks for your name & address
No, there is no reason for you to identify yourself to any National Trust employee.
They have no authority to demand
your name, address, marital status or
any other details about yourself.
What to do if a NT warden says "You have to do as you're told
because they own the land"
If a National Trust warden tries to say that because they 'own' the land you
must do what they say, tell them:
"The National Trust hold this land on behalf
of the nation and it is designated 'Access
Land - Open Country' under the under the Countryside
and Rights of Way Act 2000. I am not breaing any laws and if you believe that I am
not entitled to be here then I suggest you go to a Court of Law and attempt to
obtain an injunction to prevent me from coming here".
What to do if a National Trust employee lays hands on you
If a National Trust warden lays a hand on you, you may
report them to the police for common assault. If they use sufficient
force to cause bruising, their offence is assault occasioning actual
bodily harm (ABH). If they draw blood, it is assault occasioning
grievous bodily harm (GBH) which usually attracts a custodial sentence.
SUN Nudists' Rights Card (Pilot & Update) | Five laws the police could use against nudists | Your rights when dealing with the police | What to do if challenged by a National Trust warden | Nudist Legal Rights FAQ | SUN's Legal Fund: Ready to support YOU in 2005
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