Nudism in Forest and Woods 

A forest is an area with a high density of trees (or, historically, a wooded area set aside for hunting). These plant communities cover large areas of the globe and function as carbon dioxide sinks, animal habitats, hydrologic flow modulators, and soil conservers, constituting one of the most important aspects of our biosphere.

Naturists do not claim that nudity is always appropriate. Clothing does have its practical uses. Clothing is a good idea in cold weather. Clothing is a good idea when frying bacon. No naturist will disagree. That doesn't mean that clothes should be required all the time. We should all be allowed to use common sense to decide when we should be clothed and when we should not.

Forests can be found in all regions capable of sustaining tree growth, at altitudes up to the tree-line, except where natural fire frequency is too high, or where the tree growing environment has been impaired by natural processes or humans. Forests sometimes contain many tree species in a small area (e.g. tropical rain and temperate deciduous forests), but other forest types have relatively few species over large areas (e.g. taiga and arid montane coniferous forests). As a general rule, forests dominated by angiosperms are species-rich, while those dominated by gymnosperms are not so rich, although exceptions do exist (e.g., species-poor aspen and birch stands in northern latitudes). Forests are often home to many animal and plant species, and biomass per unit area is high compared to other vegetation types. Much of this biomass occurs below-ground in the root systems and as partially decomposed plant detritus. The woody component of forests contains lignin, which is relatively slow to decompose compared with other organic materials such as cellulose or carbohydrate.

The further you get from civilization, the less likely it is that you will run into easily offended people. Even if you do run into somebody who claims they are offended and will complain, bear in mind that in most cases, complaints must be made in writing. Most people will not go to the trouble to make a written complaint, and most authorities won't act without one. Nonetheless, if there is a complaint, and you are far enough from civilization, you can be out of the area before the authorities arrive.

Forests are differentiated from woodlands by the extent of canopy coverage: in a forest the branches and foliage of separate trees often meet or interlock, although there can be gaps of varying sizes within an area referred to as forest. A woodland has a more continuously open canopy, with trees spaced further apart, which allows more sunlight to penetrate to the ground between them (see also: savanna).

Naturism has often been associated with the all-over tan. (The word "sunbathing" has been used as a euphemism for years.) However, research has shown that the sun can be harmful when taken in excess, and that things aren't going to change for the better. Skin cancer, in particular, is a major concern for active naturists. This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with nudity - nudity exposes only slightly more skin than a swimsuit - but it has everything to do with the long hours in the sun favored by some naturists.

This is not to say that you shouldn't sunbathe. Sunbathing is not deadly if done in moderation. Use a sunscreen. Avoid sunbathing during the middle of the day when the sun's rays are the most intense. Limit your time in the sun to avoid burning. Above all, be sensible. Know what you're doing and what the possible consequences are.
Nude activity doesn't have to depend on the sun. For example, you could hike nude through a shady forest, or enjoy a nude jog in a warm spring shower. Indoor naturism is popular as well. And skinny-dipping by moonlight is a time-honored tradition. So, naturism can be enjoyed in and out of the sun. The best strategy is to do each when appropriate, and don't overdo your sun exposure.