A naturist club in the Forest of Dean is holding two open days in a bid to attract new members.

The Pines Outdoor Club (1972), the only naturist club in Gloucestershire, is holding clothes optional open days on Saturday, May 18, and Saturday, July 13, from 11am to 4pm.

A spokesman said: "The Pines is a haven of peace and tranquility - a place where you can relax and enjoy the friendly company of other naturists away from the busy, rushing world around you.

"The club grounds are situated on a hill affording views over Longhope at the edge of the Forest of Dean.

"Members are welcome to bring guests, but unfortunately we cannot accommodate day visits or camping for individuals unless accompanied by a member. We do, however, sometimes welcome other naturist clubs or groups."

"A recurring question asked of naturists is; what do you do at the club? The answer to that is, exactly what others do, but we do it naked (weather permitting).

"We have both boules and volleyball courts, which get used extensively during the summer months, and we play an inter-club boules competition with a Hereford-based naturist club. Interestingly, naturism is deemed to be good for mental health, as research has shown that participants of naturism experience a greater life satisfaction and promote a more realistic standard of physical attractiveness.

"Before Covid, we started holding clothes optional open days so those wishing to find out more about naturism could visit the club and meet our members, whilst remaining clothed if they wished."

The Pines was established in 1972, so it's now in its 52nd year and thriving.

The spokesman added: "We are located quite close to May Hill off the A40 and have members from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Bristol, South Wales, and even have a couple of members who relocated to the North East, and another couple living in Hampshire.

"The club is approximately eight acres overall and comprises a mixture of ancient woodland, sun lawns, camping pitches, five caravans, and has extensive views over the Forest of Dean.

"Quite literally, members are more likely to hear the cry of buzzards overhead, than they are to hear traffic on the A40. We are often visited by a variety of wildlife.

"Members with caravans and tents often stay overnight at the weekends, and we have members who 'work from home' at the club and have to remember to get partially dressed to take part in video calls!

"We are environmentally friendly and are totally off grid, so have a very low carbon footprint. We are currently in the process of refurbishing our wooden pavilion, and as our annual membership fees are so low, we will shortly be seeking donations from members and local companies wishing to be associated with the naturist and naturalist lifestyle."

In 2023 The Pines decided to hold an open day, which was extremely well attended, so much so that they have decided to hold two more open days this summer.

The spokesman said: "We are inviting members of the public to join us for two days of family-friendly, social nudity in what we hope will be bright sunshine! It's clothes-optional so you don't have to strip off, but you will probably find that you want to!

"We shall have the kettles on, so there will be hot drinks, biscuits and cakes throughout the day, and, weather permitting, maybe a barbecue to finish the day off."

The Pines is actively recruiting new members and would be happy to receive applications from all members of the public.

Those interested in attending either clothes optional open day should email pines_sec@live.co.uk  or phone the secretary on 07554 543841.